Chandigarh Administration today took a historic and socially important step and formally launched the "Policy for Providing Education for Disabled Students in UT Chandigarh - 2025". This inclusive education policy was launched by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria at Punjab Raj Bhavan.
This policy is not only a strong initiative towards inclusiveness in the field of education, but it also strengthens the spirit of equality, dignity and rights granted by the Constitution.On this occasion, Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said that the measure of the true progress of any society is how it empowers its weakest sections.
He said, “This 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.”
This inclusive education policy has been prepared in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) and aims to provide equal opportunities, necessary educational resources and quality education with dignity to children with benchmark disabilities.
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.
The admission process has also been made completely discrimination-free and based on equal opportunities. Divyang children will get the right to admission in all inclusive neighborhood schools, while 3% reservation has been set for Divyang children in the 25% EWS / disadvantaged class quota under the RTE Act.
It will also be mandatory for private recognized schools to admit children with special needs and provide appropriate educational support in accordance with this policy.This policy ensures the 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.
Also, coordination with special schools and integrated education centers has also been arranged for severely special child. 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 so that a sensitive and supportive learning environment can be developed. Formation of a grievance redressal committee in every school and establishment of a monitoring committee at the state level have also been made under this policy, so that effective implementation can be ensured at all levels.
Released by Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, this policy is not just a new chapter in the field of education but also an inspirational effort to strengthen the values of social justice, inclusion and compassion. 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.”
Shri Rajiv Verma, Chief Secretary Chandigarh, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Ms. Prerna Puri, Education Secretary, and Shri Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, Director School Education were also present during the event.