IED project proves boon for children with special needs

Archit Watts

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Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 11

The Inclusive Education for Differently-abled (IED) project, which is being run by the state government with a aim to provide equal educational opportunities to kids with special needs, is proving a boon for such kids in the district.

Under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the specially-abled kids are getting free education and other facilities through schools and special resource centres/rooms in the district.

In addition to educational material, special tours, disability certificates, pension, bus pass, railway pass, free medical check-ups are being provided to differently-abled children.

Malkit Singh, District Education Officer (DEO), Muktsar, said as many as 2,166 children with special needs were identified, out of which 2,086 were being provided free education at various schools.

He said under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, children between the age of six and 18 should be enrolled in a nearby school or special school and given free education.

Another official of the School Education Department said a total of 320 children were being taught at the district-level special resource centre and 28 resource rooms. He said a total of 14 inclusive education resource teachers and 29 inclusive education volunteers were providing the services to children with special needs.

However, some educationists have alleged that the funds coming for the differently-abled children were being misused and usurped as well. “A thorough investigation should be conducted by a free and fair agency so that the scam is unearthed. A proper audit and physical verification of special resource centres and rooms should also be conducted,” they demanded.