Visually challenged students want more financial support from govt

One can imagine what it means for Nakul (not his real name) to reach the college every day without eyesight. He has still been persisting with his studies along with other normal students. It is not just the studies that are challenging for him, every moment during the day is a difficult task.

Nakul is one of several such visually challenged students who are trying to persevere against all odds and continuing their studies. The government pays a monthly scholarship of Rs 1,500 to help them in their studies.

But the amount is too small as compared to expenses involved. For them, even commuting to different colleges involves substantial money, as they have to hire vehicles such as three-wheelers. Nakul said: ”My mother is a domestic helper who works in houses while the younger brother works at a factory. Daily, I shell out Rs 70-80 to reach SCD Government College here. We also have to hire writers during exams and they take Rs 500 per paper. In graduation, we have five subjects. However, I am trying to be a graduate and do something more, if circumstances remain favourable,” he said.

The Tribune reached out to Nakul and other such students who wanted some more financial assistance from the government. Most of them come from ordinary families who hardly make both ends meet. Supporting their studies financially is a tough task for their families.

Another student said they study in regular classes. Unlike normal students, they could not take notes. They have to depend on their memory. Whatever they can retain in their mind, gets stored, the rest gets fade away.

“While we are grateful to the government for the Rs 1,500 monthly scholarship, if it could be enhanced, it could make our studies easier,” the student told the correspondent, adding that “we don’t seek it as a matter of right but a special favour from the government”.

One of the teachers said these students were as hardworking as others, if not more. He maintained that despite the disadvantage of not being able to see, they still try to cope with the situation. He said the government could come forward with extra financial support as there were not many such students.

The students said in some other parts of the country, visually challenged students are provided with audio help, such as audio cassettes in earlier times. Now with technology having improved a lot, the students can be helped through various mobile apps, the teacher said, adding, that again the same would need extra expenses which none of them could afford.

It would not require any huge amount for the government to help such unfortunate students to study better and do good in their lives. Any effort made by the government or anybody else to help these students means a lot to them.