Department of School Education & Literacy is implementing the centrally sponsored schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) at elementary level and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shikha Abhiyan (RMSA) at secondary level, whereby provision is made for inclusive education of children with special needs (CWSN), besides other components.

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is 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. SSA focuses on providing inclusive education to CWSN, wherein children with and without disabilities participate and learn together in the same class. Under SSA, an amount of ₹ 3000/- per child per annum is allocated for the interventions related to education of CWSN. The major interventions for the education of CWSN are identification, functional and formal assessment, appropriate educational placement, preparation of Individualized Education Plan, provision of free aids and appliances, transport and/or escort support, teacher training, appointment of resource teachers, therapeutical support and barrier free access. As per the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) 2015-16, 22.86 lakh CWSN are enrolled at elementary level of schooling.

Under SSA, during the year 2017-18, 3762 assessment camps have been conducted, 65596 CWSN provided assistive devices, 16731 visually impaired children provided Braille Books and 37741 low vision children have been provided large print books, till 30.09.2017. Further, transport and escort support has been provided to 92539 and 75889 CWSN respectively. Therapeutical support has been provided to 137507 CWSN and 222602 teachers have been given training on curricular adaptations.

At the secondary level, the Ministry is implementing the scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) as part of RMSA with an objective to provide all students with disabilities an opportunity to complete four years of secondary schooling (Class IX to XII) in an inclusive and enabling environment. Under IEDSS component, central assistance is provided for student oriented assistance @ ₹ 3000/- per child per annum, besides support for engagement of special teachers, equipping resource room, making school barrier free, orientation of parents, administrators, educationists etc. As per UDISE 2015-16, 2.79 lakh CWSN are enrolled at secondary and higher secondary level of schooling. An amount of ₹ 6689.40 lakh has been approved for student oriented activities under IEDSS in 2017-18.

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Shri Upendra Kushwaha today in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.

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AK/RK/Disabled children in regular schools

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