Bhubaneswar: Special educators will be employed in schools to provide free education to children with disabilities. A decision in this regard was taken at a recent review conference with the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) department, the Odisha Viklang Manch and other stakeholder departments on problems pertaining to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
The programme is a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
As per the decision, beginning with the next academic year, one or more special educators, depending on the number of students requiring special education in a school, will be employed in one school in each block. The arrangement for free transportation of students with disabilities and special teachers will be arranged by the department concerned but could be taken up at a subsequent stage.
The Odisha Viklang Manch has been demanding free education for special students till PhD and 5% reservation in each college for a long time. This was also discussed in the meeting. In addition, the issue of reservation of seats for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in public and private buses and discounts on fares were also discussed in the meeting.
The Odisha Viklang Manch members resented that they were not receiving proper treatment, despite the fact that reservations for seats and discounts on fares can be availed while travelling via government-run public transportation networks. Private buses are not adopting the policy, they said.
In consultation with bus owners’ associations, it was decided that the Commerce and Transport department would give Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) appropriate instructions as per the Motor Vehicle Act to strictly abide by the provisions and ensure adequate facilities for PwDs. PwDs with UDID (Unique Disability ID) cards will receive a discount when booking tickets with their escort. By introducing a logo or sticker that is prominently displayed on the bus, the co-passengers and employees will be made aware of the needs of people with disabilities who travel.
