New Delhi: Due to the increase in the students' capacity at Delhi University (DU) that has occurred over the past couple of years, there has also been an increase in the number of seats reserved for differently-abled candidates, rising from 1,220 last year to 1,620 this year.

Although the number of seats has increased by 400 since last year, there have not been enough number of applications through the differently-abled quota at the varsity.

Last year, around 700 seats under the quota had been left unoccupied. Deputy Dean of Students' Welfare Seema Parihar said that although DU had taken several measures for disabled candidates, not many candidates had turned up for admission.

"However, this year, to make sure that we get more number of students for this category, we have been tracking students right after their Class 12 results," she said.

The Equal Opportunities Cell (EOC) at DU has been mulling over ideas to make the DU campus more friendly and accessible for disabled students. There are plans being recommended for interconnecting college buildings so that disabled students do not need to travel via the regular transport systems.

Several DU Colleges are doing their bit by adopting measures that are disabled-friendly such as establishing tactile paths, ramps, lifts, signages and a special prospectus.

Some other colleges such as Hans Raj, Keshav Mahavidyalaya, Laxmi Bai College, Miranda House and Sri Ram Centre for Commerce have made special provisions that enable a disabled student to mail their assignments instead of making presentations.

Students from the special category are also being given free accommodations and concession in hostel meals at Hans Raj College.

DU had also begun a special low-floor bus service for transporting disabled students and faculty members in the North Campus. However, due to technical glitches, the service had not been functional. This year, DU authorities have not only planned to begin the bus service again but also, two more buses including one for the South Campus would also be introduced.

The bus service will begin in July and would be completely free of cost.