Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Aug: The prolonged agitation by visually challenged students at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun has finally come to an end, bringing academic activities back on track. The protest, which had disrupted classes for several days, compelled the authorities to remove, both, the director and the principal of the institute. The students agreed to withdraw after assurances were given on their major demands. According to the officials at NIEPVD the teaching has resumed smoothly.
It may be reminded that the students had been pressing for laptops, appointment of a permanent director, provision of scholarships, availability of textbooks and for facilities such as a playground and gymnasium. Their refusal to relent until these demands were addressed had stalled academic work for some time now. Finally, responding to the continued unrest, the union ministry has decided to replace the institute’s leadership. Pradeep, who was serving as director, and Amit Sharma, who was principal, have been relieved of their responsibilities. The charge of director has now been given to Vinod Kumar Ken, while senior teacher Manju has been appointed as acting principal.
The students, who had launched their agitation on 3 August, were initially unwilling to compromise, but the management eventually succeeded in reaching an understanding. The process of laptop procurement has begun, and the authorities have agreed to provide Rs 2,000 per month to students pursuing higher education after passing Class 12. The shortage of textbooks is also being addressed, with instructions issued for their early supply. With most demands accepted, the students have now suspended their protest.
Classes from 9 to 12 had been affected during the agitation, but with the settlement, studies have resumed. Acting director Vinod Kumar Ken said that continuous dialogue with the students helped resolve the matter, and their concerns are being acted upon. He confirmed that several demands are already under consideration and work has started on some.
Meanwhile, a video has surfaced on social media showing former principal Amit Sharma interacting with students during the protest, urging them to end the agitation and warning of possible disciplinary action against them if they did not comply. Though the video is several days old, it has only now come to light. However, now that the students have ended their protest, the studies can resume.
