Question : Assistance to Differently Abled for Higher Education

(a) whether any special assistance is provided to differently abled persons for higher education and preparation for civil services examination and is so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government is considering to have a discussion with top examination bodies to ensure a set of guidelines that would achieve the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is considering to appoint the IAS topper of the current year as brand ambassador for disability; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)


(a) The Ministry implements the following scholarship/fellowship schemes for students with disabilities for pursuing higher education:-

1. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. courses in any University recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).

2. Scholarship Scheme from Trust Fund to provide financial assistance to pursue Graduate/post graduate level technical and professional courses from a recognized institution.

3. Scholarship Scheme from National Fund to provide financial assistance to pursue post-matric academic courses up to Ph.D. level including Diploma level technical and professional courses.

4. Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities for pursuing Post Graduate Degree or Diploma in some notified Institutes of excellence.

5. National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities: at the level of Masters’ Degree and Ph.D. in any foreign country.

(b) The Ministry had issued the guidelines for conducting written examination for persons with disabilities on 26.02.2013. The Ministry has constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities comprising of representatives from Union Public Service Commission, University Grant Commission, Central Board of Secondary Education, etc to look into the issues regarding implementation of these guidelines.

(c) & (d) It is envisaged to appoint the IAS topper of the current year who is a person with disability as brand ambassador of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for various activities such as awareness generation programme, vocational training etc.

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