UoH in UGC, CCPD glare over disability quota in PhD admissions | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: A hearing-impaired candidate’s complaint over the absence of a disability-quota seat in Communication PhD admissions has prompted the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) to seek University of Hyderabad’s reservation and selection records. Separately, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has sought a factual report and action taken or proposed.The Court of the CCPD, a statutory disability-rights authority, issued the Sept 21 order on M Vikram Aditya Reddy’s complaint against UoH’s registrar. It sought a point-wise response and documents within 15 days; it has not reached a final finding of a violation.Quota under scrutinyVikram, who has 83% hearing impairment, applied after declaring his disability and submitting documents. His father told CCPD that he holds an MFA with first class and distinction and qualified UGC-NET with JRF in Mass Communication and Journalism.The complaint alleged that although UoH earmarked PwBD seats across its PhD intake, none was allocated for Communication. UoH’s controller of examinations said an approved roster provides 5% reservation across overall intake, monitored by liaison officers, the Reservation Cell and other officials.While UoH said 2026-27 admissions remained underway, with PwBD candidates considered under applicable norms, Communication’s current cycle had ended and another would follow.CCPD observed that an otherwise eligible candidate could not be deferred merely for administrative convenience. Citing Section 32 of the RPwD Act, it said govt higher-education institutions must reserve at least 5% of seats; PwBD candidates admitted on merit must count against open seats.Examination access questionedUoH initially said scribes and compensatory time were provided, but acknowledged its statement on compensatory time was incorrect and confirmed the entitlement of 20 minutes per examination hour. CCPD recommended correct implementation and compliance with accommodation guidelines following allegations that hearing-impaired candidates lacked appropriate alternative/objective questions.Records sought include the roster, university-wide and department-wise seat matrices, allocations for Communication, prospectus, PwBD applications and admissions, merit-quota accounting, allocation policy for departments with fewer than 10 seats, disability-support mechanisms, examination guidelines and question papers. Vikram’s eligibility, shortlisting, marks, selection criteria and reasons for not inviting him to interview, if applicable, were also sought.UGC’s letter additionally cited concerns over unfilled vacancies and alleged inconsistencies in official records. Referring to his father’s Aug 3 representation, it asked UoH to examine compliance with the Act and UGC guidelines and report to him, copying the commission, within 15 days of receipt.