November 2, 17:26Aaj Tak

CIC demanded that UGC and CBSE ensure accessibility of educational institutions for students with disabilities

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has called on two of the country's largest educational bodies—the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)—to take strict measures to ensure accessibility and improve conditions for students with disabilities in educational institutions.

Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi issued these recommendations in accordance with Section 25(5) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005. The goal of this decision is to guarantee that an accessible environment, compliant with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 (RPWD Act), is created in every school and university institution.

This situation arose after appeals were filed regarding RTI requests concerning the lack of necessary infrastructure for people with disabilities in educational institutions in the state of Bihar. One applicant approached the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU) with a request for an inspection report and information on the measures taken regarding facilities for people with disabilities in colleges affiliated with this university.

The university informed the CIC that ramps have already been installed in its administrative buildings and departments, and the construction of special accessible toilets for male and female students is ongoing. Furthermore, strict instructions were issued to all affiliated colleges regarding the necessity of having ramps with handrails, elevators, reserved parking spaces, library facilities, and the provision of wheelchairs.

The CIC recommended that the UGC develop and strictly monitor compliance with guidelines for barrier-free accessibility for all approved universities in the country under the 'Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016'. In connection with another appeal concerning accessibility requirements in private and government schools in Delhi-NCR and Bihar, the CIC ruled that the CBSE must issue appropriate directives to all affiliated schools and establish a robust monitoring mechanism so that no child is deprived of their rights and facilities.

The Central Information Commission acknowledged the responses provided by Public Information Officers (PIOs) in both cases as correct under the RTI Act. However, given the protection of the educational rights of children with special needs, this matter was classified as being of 'highest public interest.'

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