Bhubaneswar: Alleging irregularities in the implementation of reservation norms, the All Odisha Students’ Union of the visually-impaired has urged the state govt to strictly enforce 5% quota for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in BEd admissions, as mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.In a letter addressed to the principal secretary of the social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities (SSEPD) department, the union’s president, Basudev Nayak, highlighted concerns over the non-uniform and improper implementation of the horizontal reservation policy in BEd courses conducted under the higher education department.Citing Section 32 of the RPwD Act, the letter emphasised that a minimum of 5% reservation for PwDs in higher educational institutions is a legal requirement aimed at ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination. However, the union alleged that in several instances, eligible candidates, particularly those with visual impairments, are being deprived of their rightful seats.The students’ body also pointed to a lack of clarity and transparency in the admission process. It raised issues like improper earmarking of seats for PwD candidates, inadequate adjustment of candidates selected on merit within their respective categories, and poor maintenance of category-wise and disability-wise reservation records.Officials in the SSEPD department said the higher education department has been asked to look into the allegations and take corrective measures.
