Kochi: A meeting with chief minister V D Satheesan has helped Mala native Archana K P, a first-year MBA student with 70% disability, continue her studies at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat).Archana met the CM at his office in North Paravur on Sunday and highlighted the absence of a ramp to her classroom at the school of management studies, which made it difficult for her to attend classes.Speaking to TOI, Archana said the CM immediately contacted the Cusat vice-chancellor (VC), who assured that the university would make the necessary arrangements to enable her to continue her studies.“It has been only a week since I joined the MBA programme. As there is no ramp to access my classroom, I have not been able to attend classes. Hoping for a solution, I met the CM, and the meeting was fruitful. It has now been decided to make the arrangements so that I can continue my studies,” she said.A video of Archana interacting with the CM was later shared on social media. In the video, Archana explains the difficulties she faced, following which the CM called the Custat VC and asked him to either temporarily shift the classes to the ground floor and set up a lift or ramp. He also said any additional expenses required for the arrangements would be borne by the govt.CM informed Archana that the VC had assured him that all necessary arrangements would be made. “You should study well, and you may call me if any need arises,” Satheesan told her.Archana’s father, Prajosh K N, said some departments at the university lack basic facilities for persons with disabilities.“When we checked before admission, it was stated that the university had facilities for students with disabilities. However, only after admission did we realise that some departments do not have disabled-friendly ramps, toilets or classrooms,” he said.
