Pune: In a significant move that is expected to benefit hundreds of visually impaired students, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to waive the minimum marks requirement for blind students under two major educational aid schemes.
This decision comes after years of requests and advocacy from disability rights groups, including the Prahar Organization.
The PMC currently operates two primary educational aid schemes for meritorious students in grades 10 and 12—the Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Educational Assistance Scheme and the Bharat Ratna Abul Kalam Azad Educational Assistance Scheme.
Until now, students had to meet a minimum marks requirement of 65% to qualify for the aid. This posed a challenge for blind students, who despite successfully passing their exams, found it difficult to meet the set grade threshold.
Following a new proposal by the Social Development Department, the PMC has decided to remove the 65% marks requirement specifically for blind students, allowing all who pass their exams to receive the educational assistance.
For other disabled students, including the deaf, mute, and physically handicapped, the marks requirement has been reduced from 65% to 55%, providing them with more opportunities to benefit from the schemes.
Under these schemes, students in grade 10 receive a scholarship of ₹15,000, while those in grade 12 are awarded ₹25,000. The eligibility requirements vary for different student categories, including general, backward classes, and students with disabilities.
The decision to lower the eligibility criteria is expected to benefit a wider group of students, especially fully blind students who have been passing their exams despite significant challenges.
The revised proposal has been submitted to the Standing Committee for final approval. Once approved, this change is expected to impact a large number of students.
Approximately 5,500 to 6,000 beneficiaries benefit from these educational schemes annually, but the PMC anticipates that this number will grow significantly following the policy change.
Additionally, the financial outlay for these schemes is expected to double due to the increased number of beneficiaries.
The PMC is also seeking additional funding through green bonds and other sources to support the expanded financial aid, not just for students with disabilities but also for adult learners.
