Evaluation of NIRF ranking parameters for quality enhancement of libraries to provide accessible facilities to students with disabilities

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is evaluating facilities given by higher education institutions to students with disabilities relating to disabled accessible lift or ramp, toilet, walking aid like wheelchair etc. Researchers studied NIRF data of 17 autonomous colleges affiliated to Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Researchers found that 13 colleges are provided more than 80% of the buildings disabled accessible lift or ramp, 15 colleges are provided wheelchair facility and only 9 colleges are provided more than 80% of the buildings accessible toilet facility to students with disabilities. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has given more weightage on barrier-free education facilities to all students with disabilities. Libraries should provide accessible lift, ramp, toilet and wheelchair to students with disabilities.