Mir Arifa Jan’s proposal outlines a hub for disability studies, citing RPwD Act 2016
Suggests Kulgam, Shopian, or Anantnag as locations to transform region’s healthcare & education landscape
Mr Omar Abdullah,
Hon’ble Chief Minister,
Government of Jammu & Kashmir,
Civil Secretariat, Srinagar/Jammu
Subject: Representation for the establishment of a Rehabilitation University in Jammu & Kashmir
Respected Sir,
I, Mir Arifa Jan, hereby submit a proposal for the establishment of a Rehabilitation University in Jammu and Kashmir for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). In this context, it is pertinent to note that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016—India’s landmark legislation replacing the 1995 PwD Act—aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act ensures dignity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities for PwDs, expanding disability categories to 21 (including Acid Attack Victims and Blood Disorders), mandating accessibility, inclusive education, employment reservations, and focusing on empowerment and community inclusion. In reference to the RPwD Act, this proposal for the establishment of a Rehabilitation University is submitted for your kind consideration.
1. Introduction
Jammu & Kashmir, with its unique geographical, socio-political, and healthcare challenges, has a growing population requiring rehabilitation services. This includes persons with disabilities (PwDs), victims of trauma, individuals with neurological disorders, developmental delays, substance use disorders, geriatric disabilities, and conflict-related injuries. Despite increasing demand, the Union Territory lacks a dedicated Rehabilitation University to systematically address education, research, manpower development, and service delivery in rehabilitation sciences.
2. Background & Rationale
At present, rehabilitation education and services in J&K are provided through limited institutions such as Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs), and a few colleges offering degree/diploma programs affiliated with external universities. This arrangement poses challenges in:
– Limited intake capacity and course diversity
– Dependence on external universities for academic control
– Shortage of qualified rehabilitation professionals
– Inadequate research and innovation in rehabilitation sciences
– Limited integration of academics with clinical rehabilitation services
Given the increasing prevalence of disability and the obligations under the RPwD Act, 2016, there is an urgent need for a dedicated Rehabilitation University in Jammu & Kashmir.
3. Objectives of the proposed Rehabilitation University
The proposed university shall aim to:
1. Develop high-quality rehabilitation professionals as per RCI and national standards.
2. Offer UG, PG, Diploma, and Doctoral programs in rehabilitation sciences.
3. Promote research, innovation, and evidence-based practices in rehabilitation.
4. Act as a centre of excellence for disability studies and inclusive development.
5. Strengthen clinical rehabilitation services for the people of J&K.
6. Support government initiatives on disability inclusion and assistive technology.
7. Foster the development of the area where the university is established.
4. Proposed Academic Disciplines
The University may offer programs in:
– Physiotherapy
– Occupational Therapy
– Prosthetics & Orthotics
– Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
– Clinical Psychology
– Rehabilitation Psychology
– Special Education (Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Autism)
– Rehabilitation Nursing
– Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation
– Assistive Technology & Rehabilitation Engineering
– Vocational Courses for Persons with Disabilities
– Skill Development Courses
(All programs to be regulated by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and other statutory bodies, as applicable.)
5. Infrastructure & Location
The University may be established:
– By upgrading an existing Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC),
or
– On newly allotted land with phased infrastructure development.
Key infrastructure components:
– Academic blocks and laboratories
– University hospital/rehabilitation institutions
– Resource and therapy departments
– Hostels for students
– Hostels for Persons with Disabilities
– Faculty and staff housing
– Research and innovation centres
– Special School for all disabilities up to the 12th standard
6. Governance & Regulatory Framework
– University to be established through an Act of the Legislature/Executive Order
– Governed by a Board of Governors/Executive Council
– Academic oversight by RCI and UGC (where applicable)
– Alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
7. Financial Implications
The University can be established in a phased manner with:
– Initial capital investment for infrastructure
– Recurring expenditure for faculty, staff, and operations
– Central assistance through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
– Convergence with national schemes and CSR support
– Fee receipts from diploma, degree, and postgraduate students
8. Expected Outcomes
– Availability of trained rehabilitation professionals within J&K and from outside the UT
– Reduced dependency on out-of-state institutions
– Improved rehabilitation services for Persons with Disabilities
– Employment generation and academic growth
– Enhanced research output in disability and rehabilitation
– Overall development of the area where the university is established
9. Proposed Area for Establishment of Rehabilitation University
Jammu and Kashmir UT, at District Kulgam, Shopian, or Anantnag.
10. Conclusion
The establishment of a Rehabilitation University in Jammu & Kashmir—tentatively named “The Jammu & Kashmir Rehabilitation University”—will be a landmark step toward inclusive development, social justice, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the Union Territory. It will not only fulfil statutory obligations under the RPwD Act, 2016, but also transform J&K into a hub for rehabilitation education and services in the northern region, while boosting the overall development of the area in which it is established.
The undersigned, therefore, humbly requests your good self to consider and approve the proposal in principle for the establishment of a Rehabilitation University in Jammu & Kashmir at the earliest, in the larger public interest. It is further requested that responsibility be assigned to a Nodal Department with designated officers to oversee the establishment process.
With regards,
Mir Arifa Jan
State President (J&K), Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP)
National Executive Member, Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (Mahila Wing)
State President (J&K), BRICS Human Rights Mission
State President (Women’s Wing, J&K), All India Anti-Corruption Nirmalya Samiti
Email: mi*********@***il.com
Submission to:
1. The Hon’ble President of India
2. The Hon’ble Vice-President of India
3. The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, Raisina Hill, New Delhi – 110011
4. Dr Fauzia Khan, Hon’ble MP and National President, NMC NCP (SP)
5. Dr Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
6. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India
7. Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt. Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir
8. Ms Sakeena Itoo, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare Department, School Education, Jammu and Kashmir
9. Mr Abdul Rasheed, President, Jammu & Kashmir Handicapped Association (JKHCA)