IIT Bombay sets up committee for PwD cell; students welcome move

NEW DELHI: To address the difficulties faced by differently-abled students, the Indian Institute of Bombay (IIT Bombay) constituted a committee for PwD students cell on campus. Welcoming the step taken by IIT Bombay, the Ambedkar, Periyar, Phule study circle (APPSC), a student collective, hoped “that the cell can ensure that 5% reservation for PwD students and faculty is implemented henceforth”.

The institute observed that there are number of students with disabilities (PwD) on IIT campus, and they are facing a variety of challenges in their day-to-day life and in academics. The committee for PwD students cell has been constituted with a term of 1 year for student members, while that of faculty will be of 3 years. The term may be extended as required, it added.

The PwD students cell committee has been entrusted with responsibility to prepare on maintain guidelines and polices for students and faculty based on Indian Laws, paying special attention to academic evaluation. The guidelines prepared by the members of the PwD cell will have to be approved by the IIT Bombay director before implementation.

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The committee will also be responsible for organising orientation sessions for students and faculty, including online session to prepare students after admission and before physically joining IIT Bombay.

It will also be in charge of creating and managing website for guidance of PwD students. In addition to creating support systems, including mentorship and transport facilities, the committee will also address the grievances of students.