By Yavnika Singh
A student joins a university with a lot of dreams. At that point, they do not think that those dreams would never be fulfilled. I, as a visually impaired student, had never faced such a situation where I would have felt that I’m different from others. I got all the rights and opportunities which I was entitled to till class 12. Then I joined HNLU. Here the administration made me realise that I am a student with disability.
It is very unfortunate that in a technologically and scientifically developed world, our university does not have facilities for specially-abled students. I was denied of all the rights and opportunities that a student should get.
Initially, I’d approached the administration for my needs. I showed them the UGC guidelines which provide for university rules. These guidelines clearly say that the university has to arrange for all types of equipment and other facilities related to academics for Persons with Disability (PWD). The administration’s obvious reply was a big “no.”
I gave them three options:
- Arrange for the equipments for which government provides funds or
- Arrange for readable electronic or e-material from other law universities or
- Contact various authors and publishers and request books for academic use only.
These options, of course, were not accepted.
They asked for six months to think over it. Five semesters have passed since then and nothing has been done till date. I fall into a disadvantaged position as I’m limited to a few resources. I solely depend on the notes I prepare in class. Hence, due to the ignorant and callous attitude of the administration, I’m bearing the loss.
Lastly, I would like to bring attention to vice chancellor’s response on this issue. It is important to quote certain instances to prove his ignorance and negligence.
When I approached him and asked him for study material he said, “Hum kuchh nahin kar paayenge.”
On showing Central government guidelines for person with disability, he said, “Tumhaare yahan hota hoga, humaare yahan nahin.”
When I asked me arrange the equipments that are required for PWD he argued, “Paisa kahaan se aayega?”
On asking for library books for scanning he said, “Hum library ki books kyon den? Unka print light ho jaayega, binding lose ho jaayegi.”
These are the vague and unreasonable answers he provides when we approach him with our problems. Now you can conclude whether this person is eligible to be our VC or not.
It is very unfortunate that in a law university, laws are not followed. I, as a specially-abled student, not only want to seek justice for myself but for all such students who have a right to education like other students. I don’t want my future batches to face the problems I have faced
As no progress has taken place in Dr Singh’s reign, we seek his resignation.
#SPS Out
#Not My VC