With eye on inclusivity, Chandigarh launches new education policy for children with disabilities

The UT Administration formally launched the Policy for Providing Education for Disabled Students in UT Chandigarh, 2025, with an aim to provide equal opportunities and necessary resources to children with disabilities.

Launched by UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria at the Punjab Raj Bhavan, the policy has been prepared in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act).

“The policy is not just limited to opening the doors of schools, it is also a means to bring out the inherent talent and potential of the children. Chandigarh is proud that we are strengthening the spirit of equal opportunity and inclusion in the field of education,” Kataria said.

Under the policy, free and compulsory education will be ensured to children with disabilities in government and aided schools till the age of 18 years. Children who cannot come to school will be provided with home-based education, under which transport allowance and support services will also be provided.

Admission process streamlined

The admission process has also been made completely discrimination-free and based on equal opportunities. A total of 3 per cent reservation has been set for Divyang children in the 25 per cent EWS / disadvantaged class quota under the RTE Act, claimed the UT Education Department. It will also be mandatory for private recognised schools to admit children with special needs in accordance with this policy.

“It sends a clear message that disability is not a disability, and every child, if given the right environment and opportunities, can make society proud with his/her talent,” Director School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar said.

Key provisions

The policy ensures mandatory presence of trained special teachers for running inclusive classes, adaptation of curriculum, Braille books, large print text material, sign language resources, and special evaluation system.

Efforts will be made to make disabled students self-reliant for the future through the provision of vocational and skill training from Class 9.

Regular training and awareness campaigns will be conducted for teachers, parents and classmates and formation of a grievance redressal committee in every school.Establishment of a monitoring committee at the state level have also been made under the policy.