Latest news with #RightsofPersonswithDisabilities
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Inclusive classrooms on the rise in Chennai colleges
Saravanan Umapathy will open a new chapter in his career on July 21 when classes begin at Dhanraj Baid Jain College in Thoraipakkam. The 23-year-old special needs student is on the spectrum and non-verbal but exhibits strengths in visual thinking and processing that led his mother to enrol him for a course in (Visual Communication). 'I know my son will face challenges with social interaction and communication, but he will not disappoint in academics, and I want him to surmount those barriers,' says S. Kamala, adding that Saravanan communicates by writing or typing on the Awaaz app. Brought up in Abu Dubai, where he completed his studies in a mainstream school, Saravanan did not take the help of a shadow teacher and is good in sports as well. Over the last one year he was pursuing a data entry course at NIEPMD from where he also picked up Tamil and the confidence to apply for higher studies. 'He is currently getting trained to cycle on Chennai's busy road, so that he can get to college from his home in Pallikaranai,' says a determined Kamala. Many city colleges in Chennai are taking baby steps towards making their classrooms inclusive, a mandate under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In the last academic year, Welfare of the Differently-Abled Persons Department issued a circular to 19 universities in Tamil Nadu reminding them that they have to reserve five per cent of the seats in higher education for persons with benchmark disabilities. As per data from National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), 18 of their students with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, special learning disability and multiple disabilities enrolled in various city colleges in the academic year 2024-25 for higher education. These include courses in hotel management, arts and science and polytechnic. 'Our programmes offered here act as a bridge to integrate those with special needs into higher education,' says K. Balabaskar, lecturer-AIL, NIEPMD. He says the Institute has an exclusive coordinator, R. Dhakshnamoorthy, to support parents to select the right institute and courses. Higher education plays a transformative role in the lives of persons with disabilities, which contributes to their personal growth, employability and social inclusion. 'Although some city colleges have exclusive batches for PwD or inclusive classrooms, it is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 that mandates a 4% reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities in direct recruitment to government jobs, that has come as a big encouragement for parents to find appropriate career courses in higher education institutions,' says Balabaskar. Parents have to do their homework about institutions and career paths that best suit their child. B. Sumathy, whose son S. Muralidhar is pursuing his second year of (visual communication) from A.M. Jain College in Meenambakkam, says many parents of children with special needs do not make an effort to place their ward in a mainstream college fearing the environment. Or, they think of distance education. She herself was planning to enrol Muralidhar in a course through distance education as it is difficult for him to sit in one place for long. 'When I enquired with Madras University they recommended courses in literature and economics, which I was not keen on as my son would not be able to study theory-related subjects,' says Sumathy. They were discouraged from taking courses that involved lab activity. 'I was told programming would be difficult for him, so I enrolled him in a data entry course in NIEPMD that went on for close to a year,' she says. That brought about a huge change in Muralidhar. 'He started getting more disciplined and his time management skills improved, and this gave me the confidence that he can move to an inclusive setup,' says the resident of East Tambaram. The parents are happy as the college has a supportive environment with a dedicated room where parents can wait, notes are sent on WhatApp and Muralidhar has made many friends. Orienting staff and students To create and maintain inclusive classrooms, colleges are getting their faculty trained to understand the unique needs of students, getting permission from the University to exempt special students from writing language papers and finding scribes if needed. At Agurchand Manmull Jain College, every special need student is attached to a mentor who understands his/her unique needs based on the training they are given to handle such students. 'This academic year, we have five new special needs students on the campus, a slight increase from last year where we had four,' says M. M. Ramya, dean, A.M. Jain College. While most of the infrastructure needs for an inclusive campus are largely met, the college management has been taking up steps to meet other requirements. 'We have a lounge where parents of special needs students can wait while their children attend classes. It is like a crèche; sometimes children want to meet their parents, and on an average five-six parents avail it,' says Ramya. Getting peer support is one challenge and to address this concern this year students were oriented about their specially abled classmates. 'This has to be a continuous process,' says Ramya adding that they recommend students joining courses in visual communication and interior design as they are more hands-on. A programme based on credits The third batch of the programme in Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology (DOAAT) for persons with multiple and neurodevelopmental disabilities will start soon. Initiated by the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with Bharathidasan University's Centre for Differently Abled Persons, this is a first-of-its-kind credit-based inclusive higher education programme, says a note. The course is structured over two semesters and focuses on digital literacy, office automation, and assistive technologies. It offers a practice-based curriculum aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and the National Education Policy. It also strengthens employment opportunities through the 4% PwD reservation policy, including 1% for persons with intellectual and multiple disabilities. Ten students are inducted per batch. For details, call R. Dhakshnamoorthy, vocational instructor / coordinator - Higher Education for PwDs (8124862799)/ K. Balabaskar, lecturer-AIL, NIEPMD, Chennai (9382934157); Email Id:
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
NMC Issues Guidelines For Admission Of PwBD Candidates To MBBS Course
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released interim guidelines for the admission of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) to the MBBS programme for the academic year 2025-26. These guidelines have been prepared in line with a Supreme Court ruling and aim to ensure compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and recent standards notified by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. An expert committee set up by the NMC reviewed the existing disability guidelines issued in 2019. Based on detailed discussions, the new approach focuses on assessing the functional ability of candidates rather than using fixed disability percentages. Key Points Of New Guidelines: Eligibility Documents: Candidates under the PwBD category must submit a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued via the official portal and a self-certified affidavit in the format provided in Schedule-1. Verification Process: PwBD candidates must visit one of the 16 designated medical boards for verification of their affidavit and assessment of their functional capabilities. Evaluation Criteria: The designated medical boards will assess if candidates can meet the essential requirements of the MBBS course. Boards will focus on a candidate's ability to perform rather than the degree of disability. Institutional Role: Medical colleges must ensure accessible infrastructure and avoid discrimination in the admission process. They are also advised to appoint nodal officers to support PwBD students and set up proper grievance redressal mechanisms. The NMC clarified that these are interim measures applicable only for the 2025-26 academic year. Permanent guidelines will be issued later after further consultations. Candidates seeking MBBS admission under the PwBD category are advised to visit the Intra-MCC portal for detailed instructions and the full set of interim guidelines. For any concerns, students can reach out to the designated authorities listed in the NMC notification. "Admissions will be processed by the counselling authority, based on NEET 2025 scores, institutional preferences, and verification of required documents by the concerned designated medical board(s). Medical colleges will provide accommodations accordingly," official notice reads.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Railways certs amend ‘retardation' to ‘intel disability'
File photo NEW DELHI: A father's fight for the dignity of his daughter, who has 65% intellectual disability, which made the court of the chief commissioner for persons with disabilities (CCPD) issue directives to remedy the situation, has led to the Indian Railways replacing the use of 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual disability' on railway concession certificates. A disability rights advocate, Pankaj Maru had failed to get a response from railways regarding the terminology used in the concession certificate issued to his daughter, Sonu (26). On July 12 last year, he filed a complaint with court of CCPD regarding the description of his daughter's disability — 'mansik roop se vikrit'. 'Use of derogatory terms go against SC guidelines' This (the terminology issue) was despite Pankaj Maru submitting the unique disability ID card of his daughter along with the application, wherein her disability was described as intellectual disability, in keeping with provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. In its final order Thursday, CCPD said the Railway Board had informed court on July 14 that an instruction dated May 9has been issued stating ministry of railways has decided to replace the term 'mentally retarded persons' with 'persons with intellectual disability'. The change has been implemented from June 1. CCPD emphasised the criticality of language in ensuring dignity of people with disabilities. While noting that the board had already issued a circular in 2018 whereby words such as 'blind', 'deaf and dumb' and 'physically challenged' were replaced with terms prescribed in RPwD Act, the court has recommended that railways should review their existing forms and all other documents to determine if similar corrections are required to be made and to ensure that the existing stationery is not used for any certification in future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo CCPD cited the concern raised by Maru in his complaint that outdated and derogatory terms like 'handicapped' still appear in preprinted concession certificate format, which goes against SC's guidelines on respectful disability terminology. CCPD has sought an action-taken report within three months and also asked railways to sensitise its staff on types and sub-types of disabilities. In its observations in the case in Feb, CCPD had countered railways' interpretation of legal provisions as reason for continuing with the use of 'mental retardation' in concession forms. It noted that the 'Railway Board's contention that intellectual disability and mental behaviour have been separately defined in the Schedule to RPwD Act, 2016 is correct, but their averment that 'retardation' is defined under 'mental behaviour' is not. In fact, the definition of 'mental behaviour' in the schedule of the law explicitly excludes 'retardation'.'
News18
16-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Prisoners With Disability Have Enforceable Rights To Dignity, Rehabilitation & Accommodation: SC
The Supreme Court held that denial of reasonable accommodations in custody violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution and breaches the RPwD Act, 2016 The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment affirming the constitutional and statutory rights of prisoners with disabilities, declaring that the State is duty-bound to ensure their dignity, humane treatment, and equal access to rehabilitation. A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan held that disabled inmates must not be relegated to the margins of the justice system merely because of their incarceration, and that reasonable accommodations in prison are not a matter of charity but a constitutional and legal obligation. 'The punishment lies only in the restriction of liberty, not in the denial of humane treatment or reasonable accommodations," the bench said. 'Lawful incarceration does not suspend the right to human dignity." The judgment came in a plea by advocate L. Muruganatham, who suffers from Becker Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative condition resulting in 80% locomotor disability. He challenged the Madras High Court's order enhancing his compensation from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh after he faced systemic neglect during a wrongful period of incarceration. The Court, while refusing to enhance the compensation further, acknowledged broader issues of systemic inaccessibility and neglect faced by prisoners with disabilities and issued time-bound, binding directions for prison reforms across Tamil Nadu. These, it held, stem not only from India's constitutional ethos but also from the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and Article 15 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory. The bench said that denial of access, medical treatment, interpreters, assistive devices, or accessible formats within custodial settings cannot be brushed aside as mere administrative gaps. They amount to violations of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. 'Such systemic omissions lead to indirect discrimination," the Court said, especially when a prisoner's ability to participate in their own defence is hindered due to inaccessible procedures. The absence of interpreters, proper communication support, or assistive technology, it said, can result in miscommunication, delays in justice, and denial of fair hearing. The Court expressed deep concern that there is no existing policy framework, unlike the minimal protections afforded to women prisoners, to protect the rights of disabled inmates or members of the transgender community. The appellant had submitted that his physical condition had worsened in custody due to the lack of protein-rich food, assistive devices, and proper healthcare. The Court noted that while he did not receive certain specific facilities, records show that he remained in the prison hospital and was given some special amenities. The failure to provide particular food items or advanced interventions, the bench said, stemmed from 'institutional limitations" rather than malice. Importantly, the Court clarified that Article 21 does not extend to personalised or luxurious food preferences, but mandates 'adequate, nutritious and medically appropriate food." What matters is whether the State fulfilled its obligation to safeguard the prisoner's basic health and dignity. Recognising the structural neglect of disabled inmates, the Court framed 15 actionable directives aimed at transforming custodial spaces into inclusive, rights-compliant environments. These include: Mandatory identification of prisoners with disabilities at the time of admission. Accessible prison infrastructure with ramps, modified toilets, wheelchair paths, and sensory-safe spaces. Dedicated physiotherapy and psychotherapy spaces in every prison. Access audits to be completed within six months by expert committees. Compliance with RPwD Act provisions, Harmonised Guidelines (2021), and related prison rules. Provision of healthcare services, including regular physiotherapy, psychiatric services, and assistive devices. Sensitisation of prison and medical staff to recognise and support disabling conditions without bias. A medically appropriate diet for all prisoners with disabilities, tailored to individual needs. Lifesaving therapies and urgent interventions, either on-site or linked to government hospitals. Mandatory training for prison officials on disability rights and reasonable accommodation duties. Review of the State Prison Manual within six months to align with RPwD and UNCRPD standards. Regular consultation with disability rights groups to frame inclusive prison policies. Monitoring committee to inspect and report on prison conditions every three months. Maintenance of disability-disaggregated data to track needs, services, and accommodations. Comprehensive compliance report to be filed before the State Human Rights Commission by the Director General of Prisons within three months. While the Court upheld the Madras High Court's ₹5 lakh compensation order as 'just and reasonable," it made it clear that the broader issue lies in institutional failure. 'A systemic transformation is urgently required, one grounded in compassion, accountability, and a firm constitutional commitment to dignity and equality," the bench declared. About the Author Sanya Talwar Sanya Talwar, Editor at Lawbeat, has been heading the organisation since its inception. After practising in courts for over four years, she discovered her affinity for legal journalism. She has worked More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 16, 2025, 17:30 IST News india Prisoners With Disability Have Enforceable Rights To Dignity, Rehabilitation & Accommodation: SC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sri Aurobindo Society & DEPwD Sign MoU to Improve Education Access for Disabled Children
NEW DELHI: In a step towards strengthening the inclusive education ecosystem, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) on Monday signed an MoU with the Sri Aurobindo Society (SAS). The collaboration will be carried out through the SAS' 'Rupantar Programme' under the newly launched 'Project Inclusion'. The initiative seeks to build capacity among educators, rehabilitation professionals, counsellors and general teachers to support children with disabilities in mainstream educational settings. The MoU aligns with key mandates of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, particularly Sections 16, 17 and 47 which underscore the right to inclusive education. Under this partnership, SAS will deliver training and awareness programmes through a dedicated mobile app and web-based platform. The project also aims to foster innovation in inclusive teaching methods and conduct research and development activities to further improve educational access and outcomes for children with disabilities. Significantly, the initiative includes a focus on difficult-to-reach areas, with plans to expand to regions like Leh under the department's Leh Inclusion Initiative, thereby addressing geographical disparities in inclusive education, the department said in a statement. Officials said the move is part of the government's broader effort to implement the vision of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' by ensuring that children with disabilities receive equitable and quality education across the country. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
