Awareness level of RPwD Act, 2016 among Mizoram University Students and Teachers: An Analytical Study
Lalrochami Ralte * Elcy S. Lalropeki ** Lalbiakdiki Hnamte***
Abstract
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016) represents a landmark legislation in India's commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. This study assesses and compares the awareness level of the RPwD Act, 2016 among students (N=250) and teachers (N=110) at Mizoram University, a central university in Northeast India. Using a descriptive survey design with stratified random sampling, data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Findings reveal that 60% of students and 73.6% of teachers are aware of the RPwD Act, 2016. However, deeper understanding of specific provisions remains limited: only 38.7% of aware students could name three or more key provisions, compared to 55.6% of aware teachers. Critical gaps exist in knowledge about university-specific policies (known by only 18% of students and 31% of teachers), assistive technologies (used by 32% of students, 38% of teachers), and exam accommodations (understood by 45% of students, 62% of teachers). The study concludes that while basic awareness is moderate, targeted interventions are urgently needed to deepen understanding and translate awareness into inclusive practices on campus.
Keywords: Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Mizoram University, infrastructure, curriculum adaptation, support services
DOI: https://doi.org/10.67067/MEJ.2026.XII207
