Bhubaneswar: A 50-seat hostel was inaugurated for the disabled students on the occasion of the third foundation day celebrations of Rama Devi Women's University.

The hostel has all the facilities necessary for the physically-challenged persons, including ramps, toilets with lowered water fountains and urinals, sinks and other restroom features and power doors.

It has a kitchen with dining facility and a dedicated cook. A matron and security guards would be hired to look after the facilities.

"We all have a responsibility to provide access and a welcoming environment for everyone on the campus. We need to make sure that access is provided for students with disabilities and their needs are fulfilled," said the vice-chancellor Padmaja Mishra.

The state institute for disability rehabilitation agency under the department of social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities funded the hostel project, executed by the works department.

"The hostel will make sure that more disabled women take up education at the varsity as they can get the necessary facilities," Mishra said.

She further said there would be facilities for research in association with Institute of Life Sciences and Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture at the varsity. "We will sign MoUs with them shortly," Mishra added.

Besides, the plaque of Sakuntala Panda memorial reading room was inaugurated. The state-of-the-art room was set up with a donation of Rs 50 lakh from Harihar Panda in memory of his deceased wife, Sakuntala Panda, an eminent Odia writer.