Dehradun, August 11: Blind students at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun have been protesting for the past five days, demanding better educational facilities, including scholarships, trained teachers, and affordable books. The students have raised serious allegations of mistreatment and physical violence within the institution.
A report published on August 10, 2026, highlighted these issues, with one student stating that different types of disabilities require specialized care and staff, which is currently inadequate. Another student claimed that some children have been physically harmed and subjected to beatings.
Demand for Resumption of Scholarships
The students are particularly concerned about the discontinuation of government scholarships that assist them after completing their 12th grade. They are calling for the reinstatement of these scholarships, which have been crucial for their education.
The students warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they may be forced to go on a hunger strike. They are also advocating for more affordable books, as rising prices have become a significant burden.
Despite two rounds of discussions with the administration, the students feel their demands remain unaddressed, prompting them to continue their protest. They have threatened to initiate a hunger strike if their concerns are not met. Currently, 247 students are enrolled in the NIEPVD model school, which provides education from nursery to 12th grade for visually impaired children.
Students reported a lack of adequate financial support for books, better health facilities, trained instructors, and a permanent director. They also alleged mistreatment at the dispensary and poor quality of food in the hostel.
No Separate Unit for Multi-Disabled Children
One student participating in the protest mentioned that multi-disabled children have been admitted without a separate unit for their care. Another student expressed concern over the treatment of these children, alleging that teachers have been physically harming them.
Public Outcry on Social Media
Following the viral spread of their protest on social media, many users have expressed support for the students. One user remarked that it is shameful for visually impaired students to resort to protests and hunger strikes for basic facilities. They urged the ministry and the institution to engage in dialogue and address the students’ legitimate demands.
The students have been advocating for improved facilities for a long time, having submitted written requests that went unheard, leading them to take to the streets. While some improvements have been noted after the protests, many issues still require attention.
The students have presented six primary demands to the administration, but as of now, no solutions have been provided. They are preparing for a hunger strike if their demands remain unmet.
In a related incident, NIEPVD students protested on April 26, 2023, over faulty mobile phones provided under the ADIP scheme, which began malfunctioning shortly after distribution. Despite multiple complaints and promises from officials, the issue remains unresolved.