Now, free e-rickshaws for all differently abled at varsity

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15

The Panjab University (PU) authorities have declared e-rickshaws free for the physically-challenged students on the campus.

Earlier, the service was given for free to only the poor physically challenged students. But when no student came forward with the application, the PU has declared it free for all of them.

e-rickshaws have been plying on the PU campus since May 18, 2016, and a uniform rate of Rs 10 is fixed for a trip.

The Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) had submitted a representation for free e-rickshaw service for the differently-abled and blind students. On January 10, the demand was considered and approved, but only for the weaker section with more than 40 per cent disability.

“As hardly anyone applied for the service, we have issued a fresh order making it free for all physically-challenged students,” said Prof Emanual Nahar, Dean Student Welfare (DSW).

The Chief Medical Officer of the PU health centre will certify the disability of students and issues cards or certificates for availing the facility. Vice-Chancellor Prof Arun Kumar Grover has also approved the concession. The students who want the concession will have to apply to the Dean Student Welfare (DSW) office through the chairperson of their respective department.

“The cost for providing students with the facility will be calculated on the basis of the number of applications received. Then we will reimburse the same to the firm operating e-rickshaws,” said Nahar.

“PUCSC Joint Secretary Karan Randhawa and I had submitted the representation for free e-rickshaws for the physically-challenged students. It is good that the authorities have decide to provide all with the facility,” said Karanvir Singh Mahal, Vice-President, PUCSC.

“It is a welcome step taken by the university authorities. Not only the physically-disabled and economically weaker students will be benefited, but this will also help them fit in the society,” said Vani Sood, Secretary, PUCSC.

“A lot more efforts are needed to solve the problems being faced by the physically-challenged students,” said Manish Chauhan, a visibly-challenged student from the Political Science Department.

After being pressurised by the PUCSC, the authorities have started constructing ramps at the students’ centre.

Quashing case against 68 students 

The office of the Dean, Students Welfare, will write to the PU Registrar so that 68 students accused of throwing stones on April 11, 2017, do not have to face a trial. “We want that the decision of the Senate be implemented in letter and in spirit. The chargesheet against the students has been submitted, but we do not want them to face the trial. If required, we will move the High Court for quashing the case,” said Prof Emanual Nahar, DSW.