In an attempt to encourage disabled students to pursue higher education, the Odisha state government will exempt differently-abled students from paying tuition and other fees at higher education government and government-aided institutions.
Though disabled students at the school level do not pay any fees, they currently pay college and other higher education fees.
Additional secretary in the higher education department GVV Sharma wrote to all educational institutions to implement the decision immediately, the minister of state for higher education Ananta Das said, the New Indian Express reported. The department has also sought a status report on the exemption of fees for differently abled students by October 9, 2017, he said.
Das said differently-abled students who are blind, hearing impaired and dumb students, orthopedically handicapped and those with a disability level of more than 75 percent will be exempted from tuition, examination and certificate fees.
The differently-abled students who have already paid the fees will be refunded, the minister said.
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In March, Kerala announced a 5% reservation in higher education and 4% in job sector for disabled students and individuals.
The decision reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016, the Hindu reported.
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