Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Orissa High Court Reviews Disability Support in Higher Education
The Orissa High Court is checking whether colleges are becoming easier and safer to use for students with disabilities.
The court asked colleges to build things such as ramps, elevators, and safe washrooms.
Officials found 1,887 students with disabilities in higher educational institutions.
So far, 402 students have received helpful equipment.
Another 294 students still need 300 pieces of equipment.
Officials plan to move 130 extra items to places where they are needed.
They have also asked a central company for 98 more items and are arranging laptops for 72 eligible visually impaired students.
The court will check the progress again on September 17.
Odisha has begun implementing accessibility measures in higher educational institutions, including ramps, elevators, and separate safe washrooms for female students with disabilities.
The first phase of financial assistance covered 700 higher educational institutions, according to the Higher Education Department.
Of 1,887 identified students with disabilities, 402 have received aids and appliances, while 294 eligible students await 300 items.
Authorities plan to redistribute 130 surplus aids and have requested 98 additional items from the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India.
The court will review construction progress and aid distribution at its next hearing on September 17.
- Who
- The Orissa High Court, Odisha’s Higher Education Department, and the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department are involved, along with higher educational institutions and eligible students with disabilities.
- What
- The court is monitoring the construction of accessibility facilities and the distribution of aids, appliances, and laptops to students with disabilities.
- When
- The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 17.
- Where
- Higher educational institutions across Odisha.
- Why
- The measures are intended to improve accessibility and ensure that eligible students with disabilities receive the support identified for them.
- Institutions covered
- 700 higher educational institutions were included in the first phase of financial assistance.
- Students identified
- 1,887 students with disabilities were assessed.
- Students assisted
- 402 students have received the required aids and appliances.
- Pending assistance
- 294 eligible students are awaiting 300 aids and appliances.
- Surplus redistribution
- A plan has been prepared to redistribute 130 surplus aids and appliances.
- Additional supplies requested
- The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India was asked to supply 98 required aids and appliances.
- Laptop support
- Steps have begun to cover 72 eligible students under the Free Laptop Scheme for Visually Impaired Students.