Nandyal: Disabled Rights Groups Stage Protest at Collectorate, Demand Reinstatement of Pensions and Repeal of GO 174

Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh – August 25, 2025 – Scores of differently-abled individuals and activists, under the banner of the Disabled Rights Welfare Association of Andhra Pradesh (DRWA-AP) and other disability organizations, staged a dharna outside the Nandyal District Collectorate on August 24, 2025, demanding the immediate reinstatement of pensions for eligible disabled persons. The protesters condemned the state government’s recent re-verification process, alleging that it unjustly reduced disability percentages and led to the cancellation of pensions for many genuine beneficiaries, including those with health and mental disabilities. A memorandum was submitted to District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Venkataramana, urging the restoration of pensions and the repeal of Government Order (GO) Ms. No. 174, which protesters labeled a “curse” on the disabled community. The protest, reported by The Hans India and amplified on X by @APNewsUpdates, has spotlighted concerns over the Andhra Pradesh government’s handling of disability welfare.

Details of the Protest

The dharna, organized by a coalition of disability rights groups, including the Disabled Rights Welfare Association of Andhra Pradesh (DRWA-AP), Disabled Empowerment Foundation (DEF), and Disabled Health and Pension Society (DHPS), saw participation from dozens of differently-abled individuals and their supporters. Held at the Nandyal Collectorate, the protest aimed to draw attention to the state government’s re-verification process, which activists claim arbitrarily slashed disability percentages in Sadaram certificates, resulting in the termination of pensions for thousands of eligible beneficiaries.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to DMHO Venkataramana, demanding the immediate reinstatement of all canceled pensions, the repeal of GO Ms. No. 174, and strict action against medical officers issuing allegedly fraudulent Sadaram certificates. They also called for the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly to adopt the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, to ensure comprehensive welfare measures for the disabled community.

Allegations Against Re-Verification Process

Speaking at the protest, DRWA-AP founder-president DP Mastan Vali lambasted the re-verification process, alleging it was marred by inconsistencies and injustices. He highlighted that in 2010, Sadaram camps involved thorough assessments by three doctors, including a physiotherapist, who spent approximately 10 minutes evaluating each individual before issuing disability certificates. In contrast, the recent re-verification, conducted under GO Ms. No. 174, relied on a single doctor’s assessment, leading to what Vali called “arbitrary and drastic reductions” in disability percentages. “This is a grave injustice to people with disabilities who depend on pensions for their livelihood,” Vali said, as quoted by The Hans India.

Vali further accused medical officers of issuing “fake” Sadaram certificates that underestimated disability levels, threatening legal action in courts to challenge these certificates. He emphasized that the cancellations disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including those with mental disabilities and severe health conditions, leaving them without critical financial support. “The government’s actions have pushed the disabled community into distress,” he added, demanding the suspension of doctors responsible for the flawed assessments.

Demands and Broader Context

The protesters’ key demands included:

• Reinstatement of Pensions: Immediate restoration of pensions for all eligible disabled persons affected by the re-verification process.
• Repeal of GO Ms. No. 174: Scrapping the government order, which activists argue enables unfair pension cancellations.
• Adoption of RPWD Act, 2016: Full implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in Andhra Pradesh to ensure equitable welfare measures.
• Action Against Erring Doctors: Suspension and investigation of medical officers issuing allegedly fraudulent Sadaram certificates.

The protest reflects broader discontent with Andhra Pradesh’s disability welfare policies. The state’s re-verification drive, launched to eliminate fraudulent claims, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and rushed execution. According to a report by Andhra Jyothy, over 10,000 disabled individuals across the state have lost their pensions since the process began in early 2025, with Nandyal district alone reporting hundreds of cancellations. The Sadaram certificate, a critical document for accessing disability pensions and benefits, requires a minimum 40% disability percentage for eligibility, but activists claim the re-verification process has lowered percentages without adequate medical justification.

Political and Community Reactions

The dharna drew support from various disability rights leaders, including Maryadasu, president of the Disabled Adarana Seva Samithi, DEF general secretary Shivashankar, DHPS president Sudhakar, social worker Murali, and disability association leaders Kiran Kumar, Nabi Rasool, Mannan, and Appayya. Their unified call for justice resonated on social media, with X posts by @APDisabledRights labeling GO 174 a “betrayal of the disabled community” and urging Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to intervene.

Opposition parties, including the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), seized on the issue to criticize the ruling NDA coalition government. YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a statement reported by Sakshi, accused the government of “insensitivity toward the disabled,” promising to raise the issue in the Assembly. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) responded cautiously, with a spokesperson telling The Hans India that the government is reviewing complaints and committed to ensuring genuine beneficiaries receive pensions.

Broader Implications

The Nandyal protest underscores systemic issues in Andhra Pradesh’s disability welfare framework, particularly the tension between curbing fraudulent claims and protecting legitimate beneficiaries. The RPWD Act, 2016, which India adopted to comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, mandates comprehensive support for disabled individuals, including pensions, healthcare, and employment opportunities. However, its implementation in Andhra Pradesh has been patchy, with activists arguing that GO 174 undermines the Act’s spirit.

The controversy also highlights the challenges of medical assessments for disabilities. The reduction of disability percentages, often without detailed evaluations, raises questions about the competence and accountability of medical officers involved. Legal experts, quoted by Andhra Jyothy, noted that challenging Sadaram certificates in court could set a precedent for ensuring fair assessments, but the process is time-consuming and costly for affected individuals.

Looking Ahead

The Disabled Rights Welfare Association and allied groups plan to escalate their protests if the government does not address their demands. DP Mastan Vali announced intentions to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court to challenge the re-verification process and seek judicial intervention for pension reinstatement. Meanwhile, the DMHO has assured a review of the memorandum, with a response expected within a week, as per The Hans India.

The Nandyal dharna has brought renewed attention to the plight of Andhra Pradesh’s disabled community, with over 7 lakh disabled individuals in the state relying on pensions of ₹3,000–₹6,000 per month, according to government data (Sakshi). As political pressure mounts and legal challenges loom, the state government faces a critical test of its commitment to disability rights, with implications for social justice and governance in the lead-up to future elections.

For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in