Financial Assistance To Visually Challenged Teachers

Objective
To provide facility to help visually challenged permanent teachers to achieve self-dependence by using various aids for teaching, learning and research.

Purpose
The scheme has been formulated to help visually challenged permanent teachers to pursue teaching and research with the help of a Reader and by using teaching and learning aids, by way of providing Reader's Allowance and funds for purchase of Braille books, recorded materials, and other related materials/equipment.

The scheme provides the following benefits to visually challenged permanent teachers:
1. Financial Support
An allowance of Rs. 36,000/- per annum is provided to meet expenses related to teaching, learning and research.
2. Reader Support
Provision of funds for payment to a Reader, enabling the teacher to carry out academic duties effectively.
3. Access to Learning Materials Funds can be used for purchase of:

• Braille Books/Material
• Recorded Materials
• Any other related/required material or equipment for research, teaching and learning

4. Self-Dependence
The scheme enables visually challenged teachers to achieve self-dependence in their teaching and research activities.

1. The applicant must be a permanent teacher in a college. Temporary, contractual, or ad-hoc teachers are not covered under the scheme.
2. The scheme covers teachers with the following nature of blindness:

• Fully Blind
• Low Vision

A certificate from a Government Hospital is mandatory to establish the nature of visual impairment.
3. The college where the teacher is employed must be recognized under:

• Section 2(f) of the UGC Act
• Section 12(B) of the UGC Act

1. The eligible teacher's details must be included in the consolidated list of visually challenged teachers submitted by the college to the UGC Regional Office/NRCB along with the Twelfth Plan General Development Grant proposal.

1. Non-Permanent Teachers
The scheme is applicable only to permanent teachers. Teachers who are temporary, contractual, or ad-hoc are not covered under the scheme.
2. Non-UGC Recognized Colleges
Teachers working in colleges not recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act are not eligible for the scheme.
3. Cap on Reader's Honorarium
Payment to the Reader exceeding Rs. 50/- per hour is not reimbursable under the scheme.
4. Excess over Annual Limit
Any expenditure beyond Rs. 36,000/- per annum is not covered, regardless of actual expenses incurred.
5. Bills Not Submitted
Reimbursement will not be made unless original bills are submitted by the teacher to the college.

Offline

1. Prepare the Proposal: The College prepares the proposal in the prescribed proforma format only, including the consolidated list of all visually challenged teachers in the Institute. 1. Submit the Proposal: The proposal may be sent directly to the respective Regional Offices/NRCB of the UGC along with the proposal for the Twelfth Plan General Development Grant. 1. Approval by UGC: The UGC would analyze and approve the proposal at its own level. 1. Release of First Installment: Once the proposal is approved, the first installment of the admissible grant will be released by the UGC with the letter of approval. 1. Release of Subsequent Installments: Subsequent installments would be paid on receipt of:

• Utilization Certificate of the previous grant
• Statement of Expenditure incurred in the previous year
• Details pertaining to visually challenged teachers