The Orissa High Court has directed the Director of Higher Education to ensure uniform support for differently-abled students across all state-run institutes. The court emphasised that no student should be deprived of education due to a lack of facilities they are constitutionally entitled to.
Court Review and Directions
A division bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh issued the order while reviewing measures at Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack. The bench acknowledged the college’s commendable steps but noted that the issue of accessibility for differently-abled students statewide needed urgent attention.
The court called upon Director of Higher Education, Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, to take necessary steps to make all state institutes inclusive. This follows an inquiry report by the Additional District Magistrate of Cuttack and a joint meeting on 25 October 2025, which reviewed challenges faced by 77 students with disabilities, mostly visually impaired.
Measures for Accessibility and Inclusion
Several steps have been planned and are underway to improve campus accessibility:
- Tactile paths, ramps with railings, and disabled-friendly toilets to be completed by 31 December 2025
- Procurement of Braille books, assistive technologies, and audiovisual aids through the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department
- Installation of a lift in the Arts Block tendered, scheduled for completion by 18 February 2026
- Students previously considered for relocation to dedicated hostels were allowed to stay in hostels of their choice, following NEP 2020 provisions promoting inclusive education
The court appreciated the proactive efforts of Mohapatra and other officials for coordinating measures to make the campus inclusive and accessible.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
To monitor progress, the court directed that the committee which visited the college on 17 October 2025 revisit on 21 November 2025 to evaluate ground realities and interact with students. The committee report will be considered on 4 December 2025, during the next hearing. The court also directed that the principal of Shailabala Women’s College be present, either virtually or in person, for the hearing.
