D.N.I.S. News Network; New Delhi; October 15, 2005

Delhi University will soon set up the Durgabai Deshmukh College which will run a teachers’ training programme for visually impaired students.

The college, which will have four lecturers, one research associate and a librarian, is being funded by the Blind Relief Association (B.R.A.). Preparations towards launching the course include setting up a library with relevant Braille books and talking books.

The University will design the course content for B.Ed, along the lines of the University’s B.Ed. course for non-visually impaired students.

Mr. P.C. Mehta, Deputy Secretary, B.R.A., remarks, “Having a bachelor’s course recognised by Delhi University, which is specifically meant for visually impaired students, will boost the morale of these students.”

However, the planned college is not being greeted with pleasure in all quarters. Disability activists have been asking for the mainstreaming of education. Dr. Ashwini Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary of National Association for the Blind, said, “Inclusion and no compromise with the quality of training and education is what we want in all spheres. Further, there is need to extend inclusion and not create a special institution that will foster segregation.”

The Dean of Education, Delhi University, has approved the proposal, which must get approval from the Executive Council and the Vice Chancellor, before the final go-ahead.