UGC releases accessibility guidelines for differently-abled students  

After a public interest litigation was filed in the Supreme Court of India on the rights of disabled students, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed the apex court that a 5-year long phase-wise programme for accessibility for differently-abled students has been finalised.

These accessibility guidelines for disabled persons have been uploaded on the UGC website. It is in tune with the National Education Policy, 2020 which aims to uplift students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups, including those with disabilities to make an effective transition to higher education. Alongside, the Court has directed to ensure periodic steps are being taken to monitor its progress.

UGC has also written a letter to the vice-chancellors of all universities and the principals of all colleges on information about the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) and steps to take to make differently-abled students feel more included.

The letter states that the Campaign launched by the government in 2015 is to “facilitate barrier-free urban development for persons with disabilities in three broad domains i.e., Built Environment, Information Technology, and Transportation.” It will be carried out nation-wide to “achieve universal access and development for persons with disabilities.”