UGC Mandates Disability Act Compliance By September 30

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed universities and their constituent and affiliated colleges to ensure compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This move aims to make higher education institutions more inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities.

The UGC Secretary, Prof. Shyama Rath, emphasized the need for educational institutions to comply with the provisions of the RPwD Act. The commission has made it mandatory for universities to submit statistical information on students with disabilities, recruitment, and scholarships/fellowships through the UGC Universities Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) by September 30, 2026.

The UGC has instructed universities to implement several measures across their campuses and affiliated institutions. These include ensuring compliance with Section 32 of the RPwD Act, 2016, concerning reservation of seats for persons with disabilities in admissions to each course. Universities must also notify the UGC annually about the number of students with disabilities admitted to each course and submit the required information to the Chief Commissioner or State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

Universities have been asked to prepare and implement a time-bound accessibility action plan for universities and affiliated colleges. They must also adopt the Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities as the accessibility standard for public buildings. Additionally, universities must form an Internal Committee comprising teachers, staff, students, and parents to address the day-to-day needs of persons with disabilities.

The UGC has specifically highlighted the requirement under Section 32 of the RPwD Act regarding reservation of seats for persons with disabilities in educational institutions. Universities have been asked to submit details of the number of students with disabilities admitted to each course every year. The commission noted that the Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners are responsible for enquiring whether educational institutions have fulfilled this obligation.

The UGC communication also states that appropriate action may be initiated against institutions that fail to comply with the requirements under Section 89 of the RPwD Act, 2016, and other applicable provisions. As part of the compliance measures, universities and their affiliated colleges have been asked to prepare a detailed accessibility action plan and implement it within a defined timeframe.

The UGC has also stressed the importance of ensuring the proper functioning of the Equal Opportunity Cell in universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions. This cell is responsible for overseeing the implementation of relevant schemes and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.

The move is expected to make higher education more inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities. The UGC's directives are in line with the government's efforts to promote accessibility and equality in education. By implementing these measures, universities can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for students with disabilities.

In conclusion, the UGC's mandate for RPwD Act compliance is a significant step towards making higher education more inclusive and accessible. Universities must take immediate action to implement the required measures and submit the necessary data by September 30, 2026. This will not only ensure compliance with the law but also promote a more supportive and inclusive environment for students with disabilities.

The implementation of these measures will have a significant impact on the higher education sector. It will enable students with disabilities to access education more easily and participate fully in academic and extracurricular activities. The move is also expected to promote a culture of inclusivity and accessibility in higher education institutions.

Overall, the UGC's directives are a welcome step towards promoting accessibility and equality in education. By implementing these measures, universities can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for students with disabilities and promote a culture of inclusivity and accessibility in higher education institutions.