Srinagar, Sep 13: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has constituted an Enabling Unit for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) to facilitate academic, clinical and other support for students with disabilities and promote an inclusive educational environment.
The unit has been constituted with immediate effect through Order No. 85-RA(SS) of 2026, dated September 9, 2026, in pursuance of directions stated to have been issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Prof. (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Dar, Head of the Department of Chest Medicine, has been appointed Chairman/Coordinator of the unit. Prof. (Dr.) Imtiyaz Hussain Dar, Head of Orthopaedics; Prof. (Dr.) Showkat Ahmad Showkat, Head of ENT; Prof. (Dr.) Sajad Bashir Khanday, Professor of Ophthalmology; Dr. Nisar Ahmad Naikoo, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry; and Administrative Officer Nusrat Mubeen have been nominated as members, with Dr. Naikoo designated as SPOC.
According to the order, the Enabling Unit will function as a single point of contact for students with benchmark disabilities.
It will facilitate access to reasonable accommodation, academic and clinical support measures and barrier-free access within the institution.
The unit will also receive and address requests related to disability-specific accommodations during the course of study, including clinical training and internship.
The order further directs the unit to disseminate information about its availability, role and contact details to students at the time of admission and through the college website and notice boards.
It will coordinate with the designated Disability Assessment Board, faculty, hospital administration and other competent authorities to ensure timely implementation of reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and NMC guidelines.
The unit will also maintain records of requests received and accommodations provided while ensuring confidentiality and non-discrimination.
GMC Srinagar has directed that the Enabling Unit remain functional, adequately publicised and readily accessible to students with benchmark disabilities, with the stated objective of promoting an inclusive educational environment consistent with the RPwD Act, 2016, and directions of the Supreme Court.
In July this year, the NMC had directed all medical colleges and institutions under its jurisdiction to establish dedicated Enabling Units to ensure inclusive education and support for students with disabilities.
The directive has been issued in compliance with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, particularly Sections 16 and 17, and follows the directions of the Supreme Court in the Om Rathore vs Director General of Health Services & Others case as well as its order dated July 21, 2026, in Anmol vs Union of India & Others.
