The regional centre of the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Karayanchavadi has remained closed for over six months. A student in the centre said the institute had not reopened after Puja holidays last year.

Courses were not conducted since August at the institute which was established in 1988.

The centre offered a few courses including Braille shorthand and a diploma course in executive secretaryship.

When their appeals to the administration did not receive a satisfactory response, the students went on protest. Former students accuse the institute director of not being interested in their welfare.

“We have surrendered our certificates but we have not been given our free laptops. The laptops meant for us have been given to students who are doing special B.Ed course,” said a student.

A retired English professor Sahathevan, who supports the students’ protest, said, “I spoke to the director over phone and she said there was a proposal to change the curriculum. We said the non-governmental organisations would like to meet her. She agreed initially but later backed out.”

Students say the courses taught at the institute are recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India and the candidates are assured of jobs and placement on completion of the courses.

Skill development

Institute director Anuradha Dalmia, who is currently in Dehradun, said, “Our institute comes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Our Ministry has told us to adopt skill development courses designed by the National Skill Development Corporation. There are 64 skill councils and they develop the courses. In December, we were offered two courses that are not suitable for the completely blind.”