GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

DEPARTME NT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (Divyangjan)

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 617 TO BE. ANSWERED ON 06.02.2018

University of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Bill, 2016

617.DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

(a)   whether    the   Governnment has  finalized, . The  National University of Rehabilitation and Disability  Studies Bill, 2016, based on tl1e announcement made in the Union Budget 2015-2016;

(b)    if not, the reasons therefor and the specific steps being taken by the Governmnent to expedite this matter; and

(c) the funds allocated by the Government for the conversion of the National institute of Speech and Hearing into the National University of Rehabilitation ancl Disability Studies?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI l(RISHANPAL GURJAR)

(a) &  (b)  The  proposal  regarding   establishmnen t     of   the   National    University  of  Rehabilitation   and Disability Studies has received reco1nn1endation of the Expenditure Finance Committee.

(c)   For  the year 20 17-18, an amount of Rs. 5.00 crore is available at Revised Estimates.

;

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Relevance/ Significance

The Government in the 2015-16 Budget had promised to establish a National University of Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies. However, this proposal has not yet been implemented, nor has the legislation necessary for this purpose, been introduced in the Parliament. Nevertheless, a sum of 5 crores has been allotted for this purpose, in FY 2017-18.