DU offers new degree of support to acid attack victims

Delhi University is opening its doors to acid attack victims under the ‘Persons with Disability’ quota, with the new norms increasing the reservation for PwD category candidates to 5% from the existing 3%.

The university has proactively implemented rules concerning people with disability and adopted the reservation of 5% for 21 categories, said Professor Anil K. Aneja, officer on special duty at DU’s Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC).

For non-measurable disabilities, a person with a minimum 40% disability can get quota benefits, supported by a certificate issued by a government hospital that is counter-signed by the Chief Medical Officer.

The disabilities include mental illness, which means a substantial disorder of thinking, mood or perception that grossly impairs judgement,



behaviour or ability to meet ordinary demands of life. However, this does not include retardation.

“Since the mental illness policy is not defined in measurable terms, the doctor can decide whether the illness covers 40% or not,” said Mr. Aneja. Those with special learning needs such as dyslexia and autism can apply under PwD quota.

The application fee for PwD candidates has been cut to ₹75. Those who meet the cut-off for the unreserved category will get admission under the category, but will only pay the fee fixed for disabled candidates.

Vipin Tiwari, another officer on special duty at the EOC, said that the documents needed for admission were listed on government websites. States should upload names of hospitals that can issue disability certificates, said Mr. Tiwari.