PhD Student Alleges Violation of UGC Rules as She Faces Discrimination During Exam

Shimla, 29 December: Meenu Chandel, a disabled PhD scholar from the Department of Computer Science at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), has raised a formal complaint with Vice Chancellor Prof. SP Bansal after she was denied extra time during her recent exams.

Meenu, who requires additional time due to her disability, was reportedly refused this accommodation despite the guidelines outlined by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the university itself.

Meenu’s complaint highlights an incident during her course-work exams on 24 and 26 December at the University Business School. She was taking a 3-hour exam and requested an additional hour, as per the rules set for disabled students. However, the examination center superintendent reportedly dismissed her request, stating that students using writers are not entitled to extra time.

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This incident has sparked outrage from the Disabled Student and Youth Association (DSYA). Mukesh Kumar, the convener of DSYA and a fellow PhD scholar at HPU, condemned the action, asserting that it violated UGC regulations, state government directives, and a High Court ruling.

According to these rules, “students who are visually impaired or unable to write are not only provided with a writer but are also granted an extra 20 minutes per hour during exams”.

The DSYA has strongly opposed the refusal and demanded that HPU uphold the rights of disabled students in accordance with the law.

The association has called on the Vice Chancellor to ensure that all university officials strictly follow the relevant rules and provide the necessary accommodations.

Meenu Chandel stated that the refusal of extra time severely impacted her performance and caused significant mental distress.

The DSYA has pledged to continue advocating for justice for Meenu and for the enforcement of rights for disabled students within the university system.