Centre to amend rules to admit people with disabilities in PG medical courses

NEW DELHI: In a major decision, the government on Wednesday granted approval to amend regulation for admission to PG medical courses in order to expand the scope of persons with disabilities getting benefits of reservation.

As per the amendment, the percentage of seats to be filled up by persons with disabilities has been increased from 3 per cent to 5 percent in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Commenting on the deci- sion, Health Minister JP Nadda said, “The government has taken a historical decision for welfare of divyangs in line with the Prime Minister's vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. It will ensure that the persons with disabilities are equal contributors to the progress of the nation.”

According to the amended provision, 21 kinds of disabilities, including dwarfism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and thalassemia will now be considered under the reservation provided for persons with disabilities.