Bengaluru: For specially-abled students negotiating through the buildings and corridors of Bangalore University campus remains a challenge.
The corridors are often narrow and most buildings neither have ramps nor wheelchair clearance in the lift.
Ramesh, a specially-abled student, lamented that despite numerous representations to the Vice-Chancellor, the campus continues to remain unfriendly for the disabled. “The Vice-Chancellor says the plan has been approved and the work will start soon, but we have been waiting for long."
The university describes a ‘physically challenged’ candidate as someone who is a “Karnataka student” and “Bangalore University student” and shall have the same meaning as assigned for the people with disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and full participation) Act, 1995 (Central Act 1 of 1996). Under the act 1995, all the educational institutions in India have a quota of 3 percent reservation for disabled students.
Another specially-abled student added that giving admission and having quota is not enough. The university also needs to provide basic amenities to help us reach the classroom or access basic amenities in order to reduce our everyday struggle.
Apart from the quota and scholarship, BU also provides free hostel accommodation to physically challenged students. “Yes, it helps to be here in hostel and saves us from everyday commuting challenge, but it is very difficult for us to access any of the department in the university including the office here. There is no space even in the lift to fit in the wheelchair and we have to depend on someone most of the time,” said Latha, another specially-abled student from BU.
However, Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor Dr H.M. Ramesh said the recent resignation of the director for disabled from his post has come as a setback.
“The planning process will be done immediately on what to do next and further measures will be taken soon to make the campus disabled friendly,” he added.
