Also, Union Minister said that at present, as many as 128 EOCs are functioning in various universities. It may be added that to make Colleges and Universities more responsive to the needs and constraints of the disadvantaged social groups, the UGC has financed Institutions to establish Equal Opportunity Cells to oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups and to provide guidance and counseling in academic, financial, social and other matters. One time grant of Rs.2.00 lakhs for establishing the office of Equal Opportunity Cells will be provided.
Union Minister appreciated the work in field of education for specially abled children by Shri Rambhadracharya, to whom Government of India in recognition of his services has conferred PadmaVibhushan. He assured that Ministry of HRD will consider the proposal of Jagatguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University to make it a central university to further improve education for specially abled students. This university has set exemplary ideal where around 5000 specially abled students have been educated, successfully employed and empowered. He also expressed also gratitude towards teachers who shouldered responsibility to teach specially abled children.