Delhi University is opening its doors to acid attack victims under the ‘Persons with Disability’ quota, with the new norms increasing the reservation for PwD category candidates to 5% from the existing 3%.
The university has proactively implemented rules concerning people with disability and adopted the reservation of 5% for 21 categories, said Professor Anil K. Aneja, officer on special duty at DU’s Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC).
For non-measurable disabilities, a person with a minimum 40% disability can get quota benefits, supported by a certificate issued by a government hospital that is counter-signed by the Chief Medical Officer.
The disabilities include mental illness, which means a substantial disorder of thinking, mood or perception that grossly impairs judgement, behaviour or ability to meet ordinary demands of life. However, this does not include retardation.
“Since the mental illness policy is not defined in measurable terms, the doctor can decide whether the illness covers 40% or not,” said Mr. Aneja. Those with special learning needs such as dyslexia and autism can apply under PwD quota.
The application fee for PwD candidates has been cut to ₹75. Those who meet the cut-off for the unreserved category will get admission under the category, but will only pay the fee fixed for disabled candidates.
Vipin Tiwari, another officer on special duty at the EOC, said that the documents needed for admission were listed on government websites. States should upload names of hospitals that can issue disability certificates, said Mr. Tiwari.
Volunteers at work
Student volunteers, meanwhile, are counselling applicants with disability. Arpita Sen, a volunteer, said, “I have been filling up forms for visually impaired candidates. It takes time to help them understand the fields that need to be filled up. From scanning certificates to paying the online registration fee, we help them all through,” said Ms. Sen.
Candidates with disability have, however, found the sports quota difficult. Ashwani Kumar, a visually impaired candidate said that he was unable to apply despite having State-level certificates in sports. “I have certificates from the Indian Blind Sports Association. I have also participated in a State-level Half Marathon. But PwD candidates cannot apply for sports quota,” said Mr. Kumar.
Incidentally, international events like Paralympics are not recognised by the Centre when it comes to qualifying for benefits. “Sports played by disabled people are ‘adapted’ sports. This is ironic since the Centre has given Arjuna awards to PwD sportsmen, but has not recognised such sports as mainstream,” said Mr. Aneja.
