The Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) scheme is meant for creating an environment at higher education institutions to enrich the higher education learning experiences of differently-abled persons. Creating awareness about the capabilities of differently-abled persons, construction aimed at improving accessibility, purchase of equipment to enrich learning, etc., are the broad categories of assistance under this scheme.
Objectives of HEPSN
- To provide equal educational opportunities to differently-abled students.
- To raise awareness among faculty and administrators about the needs of differently-abled students.
- To equip colleges and universities with assistive technologies for learning.
- To ensure accessibility through infrastructure improvements such as ramps, rails, and accessible toilets.
- To monitor compliance with legislation and policies for inclusive higher education.
Benefits of HEPSN Scheme
The HEPSN scheme has three major components, providing different forms of assistance:
Component 1: Establishment of Enabling Units for Differently-Abled Persons
- Special resource units called “Enabling Units” will be set up in colleges.
- Functions of these units include:
- Facilitating admissions for differently-abled students.
- Providing guidance and counseling.
- Creating awareness on disability-related issues in learning.
- Assisting graduates in securing employment in public and private sectors.
- A faculty member will be nominated as an Honorary Coordinator, who will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹4,000/-.
- Budget provision of ₹50,000 per year for administration, stationery, and expert sessions.
Component 2: Accessibility Enhancements for Differently-Abled Students
- One-time grant of ₹5,00,000 per college for improving infrastructure and accessibility.
- Institutions must ensure that all new and existing buildings comply with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
- Colleges will construct ramps, rails, special toilets, and other necessary accessibility features.
Component 3: Special Equipment for Educational Support
- Colleges will receive a one-time grant of ₹1,50,000 for the purchase of assistive devices.
- Institutions can acquire devices such as:
- Screen reading software for visually impaired students.
- Low-vision aids and mobility devices.
- Scanners and specialized assessment tools.
- Readers and assistants for visually impaired students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Institutions applying for grants must:
- Have enrolled students with disabilities (visual, hearing, locomotor impairment, etc.).- Persons with Disabilities Act 1995
- Be approved by the UGC under Sections 2(f) and 12(B).
- Have an Expert Committee that meets at least once a year to review implementation.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Download the application form from the official UGC or Ministry of Social Justice website.
- Fill out the prescribed proforma for financial assistance.
- Submit the application along with the College Development proposal.
- Send the application to the UGC for approval.
Grant Disbursement Procedure
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Component 1:
- The first-year honorarium and budgetary provision of ₹50,000/- will be released after approval.
- Subsequent grants will be released after submission of an audited utilization certificate.
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Component 2:
- The grant will be disbursed after the submission of detailed building plans and estimates.
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Component 3:
- 90% of the allocated grant will be released initially.
- The remaining 10% will be reimbursed after submission of audited expenditure reports and a utilization certificate.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Two passport-sized photographs (signed across)
- Residential Certificate
- Disability Certificate (issued by a competent authority)
- Bank account details (for fund disbursement)
- Latest Educational Qualification Proof (Marksheets/Certificates)
- Bonafide Certificate from the Institution
- Any additional documents required by the College/District Social Welfare Office
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the HEPSN Scheme?
It is a scheme designed to provide financial and infrastructural support to higher education institutions to create an inclusive learning environment for differently-abled students. - Q: Who is eligible for HEPSN?
Colleges and universities that have UGC approval under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) and have students with disabilities enrolled in their programs. - Q: How can an institution apply for HEPSN?
Institutions must submit a proposal in the prescribed format to the UGC, detailing their plans for accessibility improvements and student support. - Q: Does HEPSN offer direct scholarships for students?
No, the scheme provides funding to colleges and universities to create an inclusive environment. However, students can benefit from assistive services, counseling, and accessibility improvements. - Q: Are there reserved seats or quotas for students with disabilities?
HEPSN does not directly offer reservation but encourages institutions to comply with the guidelines of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act for admissions. - Q: Can HEPSN help students obtain disability certificates or documentation?
Yes, institutions can assist students in applying for disability certificates and necessary documentation through their Enabling Units. - Q: Are there specific guidelines for inclusive curriculum and teaching under HEPSN?
Institutions receiving grants are encouraged to implement inclusive teaching methods, provide assistive technology, and adapt coursework for students with disabilities.