UGC asks HEIs to submit details of PwD students admitted and teachers recruited during 2024-26

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked that the vice-chancellors of the higher education institutes (HEIs) submit the details of students admitted, teachers, and non-teaching staff appointed under the persons with disabilities (PwD) category during 2024-26.

Additionally, HEIs will have to submit fellowships and scholarships provided to PwD students. HEIs can submit the statistical details in the prescribed format on the university activity monitoring portal (UAMP) of UGC by September 30.

Earlier, the commission had directed educational institutes to implement the recommendations, ensuring compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016.

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Reservation for PwD students

According to the UGC letter, under the provisions of the RPwD Act 2026, to deal with the issue of reservation of seats in the admission of students in each course, institutes will have to submit a list of the number of disabled persons admitted in each course every year to the chief commissioner and/or the state commissioner.

Also, it will be the duty of the chief commissioner as well as the state commissioner to enquire whether educational institutions have fulfilled the requirements. However, institutions not fulfilling the requirements will be put under the defaulting institutions category, UGC said in its letter.

“Appropriate consequential action against those educational institutions, as provided under Section 89 of the Disabilities Act, 2016, as well as other provisions, shall be initiated against defaulting institutions."

What is the RPWD Act?

The RPWD Act, 2016, was enacted to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure their effective participation and inclusion in society. All educational institutions have a crucial role in implementing these provisions and providing an inclusive environment for all students, UGC added.