New Delhi: For months, Money Gupta’s family focused on one goal: helping the differently-abled 17-year-old realise her dream of studying medicine after she cleared NEET. But as admission season began, a delayed certificate turned that dream into an anxious race against time, ending in a legal battle before Delhi High Court.Many of the challenges faced by differently-abled persons arise not from their disability itself but from navigating systems meant to make education and opportunities more accessible. A delayed certificate, an unfamiliar procedure or uncertainty over where to seek help can become a major hurdle, especially when admission deadlines are involved.Born with a limb impairment that makes walking difficult, Money studied at a Kendriya Vidyalaya and remained determined to pursue medicine. After qualifying NEET, she began the counselling process and learnt that an ESIC certificate was required to avail benefits under the ESIC quota, a special reservation category in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation medical colleges.Although the family submitted the necessary documents, they could not obtain the certificate within the stipulated timeline. With counselling deadlines approaching, they visited ESIC offices and contacted officials for assistance.“We went there and made rounds for two days,” said her father, Sunil, a security guard. He said the family initially did not realise the significance of the certificate and made repeated efforts to complete the process once they understood its importance.With the admission deadline looming, the family approached Delhi High Court.“Following the court proceedings, Money was able to secure the certificate and can now proceed with the admission process,” said education activist and lawyer Ashok Agarwal, who represented her.“Children who are differently abled already face several barriers in accessing education, and procedural requirements should not become an additional hurdle. When a student has worked hard and qualified on merit, an opportunity should not be put at risk because of difficulties in obtaining a certificate or navigating a process. The system has to be more accessible and sensitive to their needs,” Agarwal said.For the family, the episode highlighted the importance of awareness about documentation, timelines and admission procedures for students seeking benefits meant to improve access to higher education.Money, meanwhile, remains focused on her dream. Apart from academics, she enjoys playing the ukulele and singing.“I hope to become a child specialist,” she said, adding, “I want to work with children and contribute to their well-being.”
