Disabled student denied admission in college
When Manish Arora (18) got himself registered with DU' Equal Opportunity Cell as a physically disabled candidate, he thought he was assured of a seat in a course of his choice.
When Manish Arora (18) got himself registered with DU' Equal Opportunity Cell as a physically disabled candidate, he thought he was assured of a seat in a course of his choice.
The DU aspirant was allotted a seat in BA (honours) geography, in Shaheed Bhagat Singh College. Extremely happy with the course of his choice, Arora went to the college to take admission but was sorely disappointed. "The teachers there told me very clearly that I should not opt for the course as it involves an excursion in the second year. I am interested in the course and am sure I want to pursue it," said Arora, who is orthopaedically disabled.
After going to the college twice, Arora was forced to travel all the way to the office of the dean, students' welfare in North Campus to seek help.
The teachers in the Shaheed Bhagat Singh College had advised him to choose BA (programme) instead. But Arora is not interested. "I know the excursion will be difficult for me but I will manage. The college should also make provision for all students," he said.
The varsity also maintained that every student will be given an opportunity to study a course of their choice. "The college can't deny admission to any candidate on such grounds. This decision does not lie with the college administration. We will take action if the student is not admitted," said Gulshan Sawhney, deputy dean, students' welfare.
Meanwhile, assuring admission to the student, the college principal BC Sehgal assured, "The candidate should come and meet me. I will make sure he gets admission. Talking to people in college may confuse you. It is best to contact the principal."