Uttarakhand: Blind Students Protest for Scholarships, Laptops and Facilities

Around 80 blind students in Dehradun protested for better facilities, study materials, and scholarships, but ended the protest after the administration agreed to address their demands.

Students of Classes 9 to 12 at the Model School of the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, started a protest on 3 August 2026.

Around 80 blind students joined the protest, demanding better school and hostel facilities, more staff, improved study materials and changes in the scholarship system. They also raised concerns about the lack of English-medium textbooks, poor food quality and delays in receiving uniforms and footwear.

One of their biggest concerns was the withdrawal of merit-based scholarships after graduation. Students also objected to a rule that made them choose between the institute's scholarship and financial support available through the National Scholarship Portal. They said this could reduce the financial help available to them.

The protest became stronger when students locked the administrative block. They also warned that they would begin a hunger strike on 10 August if their demands were not addressed.

On 10 August, the students met the institute's director and were assured that most of their demands, including the scholarship issue, would be addressed. The administration also agreed to give these assurances in writing.

The institute gave timelines for several demands. Students of Classes 11 and 12 will receive laptops by November 2026, while Classes 9 and 10 students are expected to get laptops by January 2027. A new Braille teacher is also expected to join soon.

The administration also accepted the proposal to build a football ground, with work expected to begin within 15 days. Interim Director Vinod Kain said most of the students' demands had been accepted.

However, some demands, including the appointment of a permanent director and faster construction of an auditorium, require approval from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Following the assurances, the students called off the protest for now and resumed classes from 11 August. They said they will now wait for the administration to fulfil its promises.