The Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges is a dedicated initiative formulated by the Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment to support visually challenged permanent teachers in colleges. The scheme aims to help these educators pursue teaching and research by providing financial assistance for hiring a reader, and for purchasing essential teaching and learning aids such as Braille books, recorded materials, and other related equipment.
Benefits
- Total Annual Allowance:
Visually challenged permanent teachers receive a financial assistance of ₹36,000/- per annum. - Utilization of Funds:
The amount may be utilized for:- Payment to a reader, not exceeding ₹50/- per hour.
- Purchase of Braille books and other Braille materials.
- Acquisition of recorded materials.
- Procurement of any other necessary equipment or materials for teaching, learning, and research.
- Reimbursement Process:
The college will reimburse the teacher based on the actual expenditure and receipts provided for the reader’s fees and other expenses, up to the maximum limit of ₹36,000/- per annum. Original bills are required to be submitted to the college; submission to the UGC is not necessary.
Eligibility
- Target Group:
All visually challenged teachers working in colleges in India that are recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act are eligible to receive the financial assistance.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Access the Prescribed Format:
Obtain the prescribed format (Page 09) for applying for financial assistance for visually handicapped teachers from your college. - Fill Out the Details:
Complete all required information in the application form. - Submission to UGC:
The completed proposal, along with a consolidated list of all visually challenged teachers in the institute (including those from self-financing colleges under 12(B) of the UGC Act), should be submitted directly to the respective Regional Office of the UGC as part of the proposal for the Twelfth Plan. - UGC Approval:
The UGC will review and approve the proposal at its own level. Upon approval, the first installment of the grant will be released along with the letter of approval. - Subsequent Installments:
Later installments will be disbursed upon submission of the Utilization Certificate and a Statement of Expenditure for the previous grant period, including details specific to the visually challenged teachers.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Visually Disability Certificate issued by a Government Hospital (as per norms)
- Qualification Certificates
- Bank Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is financial assistance for visually challenged teachers?
A1: It is a scheme designed to provide monetary support to visually challenged permanent teachers to help them procure a reader and essential teaching/learning materials such as Braille books and recorded materials.
Q2: Who is eligible for financial assistance for visually challenged teachers?
A2: All visually challenged permanent teachers working in colleges in India that fall under Sections 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act are eligible.
Q3: What types of financial assistance are available?
A3: The scheme offers a total annual allowance of ₹36,000/-, which may be used for reader’s fees, purchasing Braille books, recorded materials, and other necessary teaching aids.
Q4: How can I apply for the financial assistance?
A4: Applications must be submitted offline using the prescribed format provided by your college, and the proposal must be sent to the respective Regional Office of the UGC along with the consolidated list of eligible teachers.
Q5: Are there any specific organizations or agencies involved in providing this assistance?
A5: The scheme is administered by the Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment and implemented through the UGC in partnership with the respective colleges.
Q6: Can financial assistance be used for professional development activities?
A6: The funds are specifically earmarked for teaching and research purposes, including the payment to a reader and the purchase of teaching aids.
Q7: Are there any repayment obligations for the financial assistance received?
A7: No repayment obligations exist; the scheme is purely an assistance program aimed at supporting visually challenged teachers.