• Source:JND
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The corridors of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University buzzed with unprecedented excitement as the Academic Council announced a decision that would reshape educational accessibility in India. Vice Chancellor Padma Shri Prof (Dr) Mahesh Verma stood before the assembled faculty, his voice carrying the weight of compassion and determination as he outlined the university's groundbreaking orphan children quota initiative.

The room fell silent as the implications of this revolutionary policy became clear – IPU was about to become the first university in the country to formally recognize and support orphaned students through dedicated reservations.

The decision emerged from months of deliberation and heartfelt discussions about the pandemic's devastating impact on vulnerable children. Faculty members had witnessed firsthand how COVID-19 had left countless children without parental support, their educational dreams seemingly shattered. The Academic Council's unanimous approval of the orphan quota represented more than just an administrative decision; it embodied the university's commitment to ensuring that tragedy would not define these children's futures.

Starting from the 2025-26 academic session, one additional seat would be reserved in each school and program, accompanied by complete fee waiver under the university's existing EWS scheme.

Comprehensive Support Framework Beyond Financial Aid:

The orphan children quota extends far beyond mere seat reservation, encompassing a holistic support system designed to address the unique challenges faced by parentless students. University officials have committed to providing mentorship programs, psychological counseling services, and career guidance specifically tailored for orphaned students. The institution plans to collaborate with various government schemes and NGOs to ensure comprehensive support, including accommodation assistance, study materials, and skill development opportunities.

This multi-layered approach recognizes that orphaned children require more than just educational access – they need a nurturing environment that can substitute for lost family support structures.

Nationwide Impact and Future Educational Policy Transformation:

IPU's pioneering initiative is expected to influence educational policies across India, with several universities already expressing interest in implementing similar programs. Education policy experts predict this quota system could become a template for nationwide adoption, potentially benefiting thousands of orphaned children annually.

The university's detailed guidelines, soon to be published on their official website, will serve as a blueprint for other institutions seeking to implement comparable initiatives. This groundbreaking policy positions India at the forefront of inclusive education, demonstrating how higher education institutions can respond compassionately to societal challenges while maintaining academic excellence and social responsibility standards.