Lok Sabha Question No. 4226 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Shortage of facilities for differently abled Studetnts
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: AJAY (TENI) MISRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4226 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

Shortage of facilities for differently abled Students

†4226. SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the number of special schools and teachers required for students with special needs in the country is not adequate;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether the Government is formulating or likely to formulate any plan-of- action to meet the above shortage;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes to put in place separate examination board and syllabus for students with special needs and if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

- (a)  to  (d):  The  Government  of  India  is  implementing Sarva Shiksha  Abhiyan (SSA)  as  the main programme for universalising elementary education for all children from 6-14 years of age.  Its overall goals include universal access and retention, bridging of gender and social category  gaps  in  education  and  enhancement  of  learning  levels  of  children.  The focus of SSA is on providing inclusive education to children with special needs (CWSN), wherein children with and without disabilities participate and learn together in the same class. As per the Unified District Information System for Education, 2015-16 (provisional), there are 46.74 lakh general teachers under SSA.

Besides  under  SSA,  two  resource  persons  are  engaged  in  every  Block  Resource  Centre exclusively for CWSN. Under the SSA, 18174 such resource persons are engaged. Hence, the number of teachers required for CWSN under SSA are adequate.

The  Inclusive  Education  for  Disabled  at  Secondary  Stage  (IEDSS)  component  of  the integrated Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) caters to the needs of CWSN at secondary level of schooling. Under the IEDSS, any school where the number of the children with disabilities is more than 5, should appoint one special educator. In case the number of children is less, the special educator can work for a cluster of schools. In accordance with this ratio, the requisite number of special educators may be appointed in schools (or for a cluster of  schools)  for  children  requiring  special  teacher  support.  The  special  educators  provide counselling to the parents, help in identifying the needs of CWSN and help in other ways whenever necessary. 3245 special educators approved under IEDSS are in position at present and 5935 of the sanctioned posts under RMSA are lying vacant.

The  Ministry  of  Human  Resource  Development  is  giving  grant  to  States  and  UTs  for  the salary component of special educators, the subject matter of their recruitment and deployment comes  within  the  purview  of  the  States  and  UTs  concerned.  The  Ministry  is  regularly following up with the Stats for filling up the vacant posts of special educators approved under RMSA.

The  Department  of  Empowerment  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  provides  Grants-in-Aid  to Non-Governmental Organizations running projects for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities, including  projects for Special Schools for Children with Disabilities under the Central Sector Scheme namely Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). During the year 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 (till 01.12.2016), grants-in-Aid was released to 405, 397 and 276 special schools under DDRS.

(e): Since SSA follows an inclusive philosophy for CWSN, no special syllabus is developed. SSA is also the key vehicle to implement the provisions under the Right of Children to Free and  Compulsory Education Act,  2009.  Section  30  of  the  RTE  Act  mandates  that  no  child shall be required to pass any Board examination till the completion of elementary education. Every child completing his elementary education shall be awarded a certificate.

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