Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed district authorities to identify all special schools run by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) without the knowledge or approval of the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), as part of a statewide exercise to bring such institutions under the regulatory framework.
In a letter issued to all District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) on Friday, the department asked officials to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify special schools operating without formal permission or recognition from the government.
The department has instructed the managements of such schools to submit applications seeking permission or recognition to the SSEPD Department, along with the required documents, in accordance with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the prevailing government guidelines.
Officials have also been directed to ensure that these institutions obtain the necessary approval from the department to continue their operations.
As part of the exercise, DSSOs have been asked to submit district-wise reports containing the names and addresses of the identified special schools, details of the NGOs managing them, and the status of their applications for recognition.
The communication has been circulated to all District Social Security Officers for immediate compliance.
The initiative aims to identify institutions operating outside the government’s regulatory oversight and ensure that all special schools comply with the prescribed legal requirements and operational standards.
