Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University will establish regional study centres in Varanasi and Prayagraj, starting academic programmes for Divyang students from the 2026–27

Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU), Lucknow, is set to expand its academic and rehabilitation-focused services beyond the state capital by establishing regional study centres in Varanasi and Prayagraj. The initiative aims to improve access to higher education, skill development, rehabilitation training, and employment-oriented learning opportunities for differently-abled students across Uttar Pradesh.

In the first phase, DSMNRU will begin academic programmes for Divyang students at its proposed Varanasi Regional Study Centre from the 2026–27 academic session. The move is expected to benefit students from eastern Uttar Pradesh who currently have to travel to Lucknow for specialised higher education and rehabilitation-based academic programmes.

Academic Council Approves Regional Centre Proposal

The proposal to establish regional study centres and run rehabilitation and employment-oriented courses has been approved by the university’s Academic Council. The Varanasi regional centre will be developed at the Amravati Purushottam Government Multi-Disability Rehabilitation Institute, Khushipur.

A committee constituted on February 11 conducted a physical inspection of the institute’s building to assess its readiness for academic and administrative operations. As per the inspection report, the institute currently has six halls and nearly 16 rooms available for the proposed regional study centre.

However, the committee also recommended necessary infrastructure improvements, including repairs and whitewashing of halls, classrooms, toilets, floors, and walls. It further suggested the provision of furniture, computers, internet facilities, office stationery, library books, and other essential resources required for smooth functioning.

Undergraduate Courses to Begin from 2026–27 Session

DSMNRU plans to start undergraduate-level courses in the first phase from the 2026–27 academic session. The proposed programmes include:

1. BVA – Bachelor of Visual Arts
2. Four-year BA programme under the National Education Policy framework

These courses are expected to focus on inclusive education, skill development, creative learning, rehabilitation support, and employment pathways for Divyang students.

The university’s decision aligns with the broader objective of making higher education more accessible and employment-oriented for persons with disabilities. By offering academic programmes closer to students’ home regions, DSMNRU aims to reduce the financial, travel, and accommodation burden faced by differently-abled learners.

Varanasi Centre to Become DSMNRU’s First Regional Campus Outside Lucknow

The Varanasi centre will be DSMNRU’s first regional campus outside Lucknow. According to university officials, the initiative will help decentralise the university’s services and extend specialised education to underserved regions of Uttar Pradesh.

Vice-Chancellor Acharya Sanjay Singh said the move supports DSMNRU’s mandate to promote inclusive education and create employment pathways for persons with disabilities through region-specific initiatives.

The university also plans to replicate the Varanasi model in Prayagraj. The Prayagraj centre is expected to focus on local partnerships, internships, assistive technology labs, placement drives, and other support systems for students.

Focus on Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Employment

The establishment of regional centres is significant for the skill development and rehabilitation education ecosystem. The planned courses are not limited to academic learning but are expected to support employability, local industry engagement, practical exposure, and career readiness for Divyang students.

The proposed model may include:

• Employment-oriented academic programmes
• Rehabilitation-focused learning support
• Assistive technology-based facilities
• Internship linkages
• Placement drives
• Local partnerships with institutions and employers
• Student support services
• Faculty recruitment and regional administrative support

This approach can help bridge the gap between higher education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Regional Directors to Lead Centres

DSMNRU spokesperson Prof. Yashwant Virodai said the regional centre model will help reduce dependence on the Lucknow campus and bring specialised services closer to students in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

He said the regional centres will function under the leadership of regional directors, who will be appointed by the university. A separate budget provision for infrastructure upgrades, faculty recruitment, and student support services is also being prepared for the upcoming Executive Council meeting.

Why This Matters

The decision to open regional study centres in Varanasi and Prayagraj reflects a major step toward decentralised and inclusive higher education in Uttar Pradesh. For differently-abled students, access to specialised academic programmes often depends on availability of accessible infrastructure, trained faculty, rehabilitation support, and local accommodation options.

By expanding beyond Lucknow, DSMNRU is expected to create a stronger regional support system for Divyang students and improve their access to education, training, and employment pathways.

Key Highlights

Conclusion

DSMNRU’s plan to establish regional study centres in Varanasi and Prayagraj marks an important development in Uttar Pradesh’s inclusive education landscape. With academic programmes expected to begin in Varanasi from the 2026–27 session, the initiative can provide Divyang students with greater access to specialised higher education, rehabilitation support, skill development, and employment-linked opportunities.

For the skill development and education sector, this move highlights the growing need for accessible, decentralised, and region-specific learning models that support both academic progress and livelihood outcomes for persons with disabilities.

DSMNRU, Divyang Students, Inclusive Education, Skill Development, Rehabilitation Education, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Education, Higher Education, Employment Oriented Courses, NEP, SkillCouncils

DSMNRU regional study centre, Divyang students education, inclusive higher education, skill development for persons with disabilities, Varanasi study centre, Prayagraj regional centre, rehabilitation education, employment-oriented courses