FAVCT

Financial assistance scheme providing up to ₹36,000 annually to visually challenged permanent college teachers for reader assistance, Braille books, and learning aids. Implemented by University Grants Commission to support teaching, research, and academic independence.

Objective

To provide facility to help visually challenged permanent teachers to achieve self-dependence by using various aids for teaching, learning and research.

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Purpose

The scheme has been formulated to help visually challenged permanent teachers to pursue teaching and research with the help of a Reader and by using teaching and learning aids, by way of providing Reader's Allowance and funds for purchase of Braille books, recorded materials, and other related materials/equipment.

• The applicant must be a permanent teacher in a college. Temporary, contractual, or ad-hoc teachers are not covered under the scheme.
• The scheme covers teachers with the following nature of blindness:

• Fully Blind
• Low Vision

A certificate from a Government Hospital is mandatory to establish the nature of visual impairment.

• The college where the teacher is employed must be recognized under:

• Section 2(f) of the UGC Act
• Section 12(B) of the UGC Act

• The eligible teacher's details must be included in the consolidated list of visually challenged teachers submitted by the college to the UGC Regional Office/NRCB along with the Twelfth Plan General Development Grant proposal.

The scheme provides the following benefits to visually challenged permanent teachers:

1. Financial Support

An allowance of Rs. 36,000/- per annum is provided to meet expenses related to teaching, learning and research.

2. Reader Support

Provision of funds for payment to a Reader, enabling the teacher to carry out academic duties effectively.

3. Access to Learning Materials Funds can be used for purchase of:

• Braille Books/Material
• Recorded Materials
• Any other related/required material or equipment for research, teaching and learning

4. Self-Dependence

The scheme enables visually challenged teachers to achieve self-dependence in their teaching and research activities.

1. Non-Permanent Teachers

The scheme is applicable only to permanent teachers. Teachers who are temporary, contractual, or ad-hoc are not covered under the scheme.

2. Non-UGC Recognized Colleges

Teachers working in colleges not recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act are not eligible for the scheme.

3. Cap on Reader's Honorarium

Payment to the Reader exceeding Rs. 50/- per hour is not reimbursable under the scheme.

4. Excess over Annual Limit

Any expenditure beyond Rs. 36,000/- per annum is not covered, regardless of actual expenses incurred.

5. Bills Not Submitted

Reimbursement will not be made unless original bills are submitted by the teacher to the college.