Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar felicitated students at the 6th convocation of Jagatguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University at Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh today. On the occasion, Union Minister reiterated that Government of India under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister remains committed to strive for Accessible India (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan). He mentioned that to allow free access to information, Government has kept books for specially abled out of the purview of Copyright Act. He also mentioned that Ministry of HRD is working on enhancing scholarship for specially abled students. Minister also said that a committee of experts shall review of curriculum which is a crucial component of education of specially abled students.
Also, Union Minister said that at present, as many as 128 EOCs are functioning in various universities. It may be added that to make Colleges and Universities more responsive to the needs and constraints of the disadvantaged social groups, the UGC has financed Institutions to establish Equal Opportunity Cells to oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups and to provide guidance and counseling in academic, financial, social and other matters. One time grant of Rs.2.00 lakhs for establishing the office of Equal Opportunity Cells will be provided. Union Minister appreciated the work in field of education for specially abled children by Shri Rambhadracharya, to whom Government of India in recognition of his services has conferred PadmaVibhushan. He assured that Ministry of HRD will consider the proposal of Jagatguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University to make it a central university to further improve education for specially abled students. This university has set exemplary ideal where around 5000 specially abled students have been educated, successfully employed and empowered. He also expressed also gratitude towards teachers who shouldered responsibility to teach specially abled children.