On December 24, 2020, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice issued a public notice inviting comments from stakeholders on a draft bill to set up a University of Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences.
The draft bill named as University of Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences Bill 2021 has been prepared to establish the University.
DEPwD is planning to set up a University of Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences in Kamrup district of Assam through a separate act of Parliament.
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DEPwD said in a statement that the proposed University is the first of its kind. It will be a unique multidisciplinary academic institution that will be conducting programmes and courses at bachelor's level. These courses will be covering the entire gamut of disability studies and rehabilitation sciences in an accessible environment.
There will be eight department in the University of Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences:
- Disability Studies
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
- Special Education
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Orthotics, Prosthetics and Assistive Technology
- Inclusive and Universal Design
The various courses offered at the proposed University will offer affiliation to other institutions in disabilities and rehabilitation sciences in the country.
As per DEPwD, for evaluation credit and grading system will be used in the University.
In the draft issued, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has invited comments until January 3, 2021.
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However, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) believes that it is an ill-conceived idea and denied adequate time for stakeholders to respond.
NPRD further complained that finances generated from tuition fees, affiliation fees, etc from the marginalised sections will stand deprived.
NPRD also pointed that it will be better if government adheres to the guiding principles of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of equality and non-discrimination and should focus upon inclusive and multidisciplinary approach.
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