UGC Mandates Compliance with Disability Rights Act for Universities

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a formal directive to all universities and higher education institutions across the country, mandating strict adherence to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The commission is calling for enhanced measures to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for students and staff with disabilities within the higher education sector.

As part of this initiative, all universities, including their constituent and affiliated colleges, are required to submit detailed statistical data regarding their support for persons with disabilities. This reporting requirement covers student admissions, the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff, and the distribution of fellowships and scholarships. Institutions must upload this information via the UGC’s Universities Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) in the prescribed format no later than September 30, 2026.

Focus on Accessibility and Statutory Compliance

The UGC directive places significant emphasis on Section 32 of the RPwD Act, which governs the reservation of seats for persons with benchmark disabilities in higher education admissions. Universities are expected to ensure that these reservation provisions are implemented across every course offered and must notify the commission of their compliance on an annual basis. Furthermore, institutions are required to maintain and report precise figures on the number of students with disabilities enrolled in each academic program.

To foster a more inclusive campus environment, the commission has instructed institutions to adopt the Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for a barrier-free built environment. Universities and colleges are expected to develop and implement a time-bound accessibility action plan to remove physical and systemic barriers. Additionally, the UGC has mandated the establishment of an Internal Committee—comprising teachers, staff, students, and parents—to address the daily needs of persons with disabilities and oversee the execution of relevant support schemes.

Institutional Obligations and Potential Consequences

Beyond physical infrastructure, the UGC has reiterated the necessity for the effective functioning of Equal Opportunity Cells within all higher education institutions. These cells are intended to serve as a primary point of support for ensuring that the rights of students and staff are upheld in accordance with national legislation.

The commission has issued a clear warning regarding the importance of these mandates, noting that failure to fulfill these statutory obligations may lead to appropriate action under Section 89 of the RPwD Act, 2016, alongside other applicable regulatory provisions. All institutions are expected to prioritize these requirements to ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in the academic community.