Govt to set up Central University for differently abled, says HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar

The BJP-led Central government has decided to set up a Central University which will cater to the needs of the disabled students across the country, said Union minister for human resource development Prakash Javadekar. The announcement came during Javadekar's convocation address at Shakuntala Mishra Rehabilitation University, Lucknow on Monday.

Javadekar said, the government is sensitive to needs of disabled and which is why our PM has coined the term 'divyang'. PM has asked all higher education institutions to ensure barrier-free movement for disabled students. "Ramps and lifts are must in all institutions," said Javadekar.

The new education - inclusive in nature - where the differently abled are given education along with the normal kids inside the same classroom is a sign of free and new India, Javadekar said. "Inclusive education encourages the disabled to learn more and boosts their confidence, but it is the already empowered students who gain more. They learn to be sensitive," Javadekar added.

Javadekar expressed his happiness on the Indianess of convocation attire. "I am happy to see students and teachers dressed in Indian attire. There are no black British gowns, finally," he said, adding the naming of auditorium (where convocation was held) after Atal Bihari Vajpayee is another reason that makes him happy.

The HRD minister also offered financial assistance to the university for setting a Braille Press inside the campus, and sought a proposal in this regard. Earlier, university vice-chancellor Nishith Rai had expressed his desire to set up a Braille Press for helping visually impaired students.

Overall, 53 medals were awarded to 37 students at the third convocation. Of this, 28 went to the girls and only nine to the boys, highlighted UP governor Ram Naikwho is a frequent visitor to the university.