Despite the State government’s assurance of strictly implementing the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 — that enables free and compulsory education to children with special needs, who are aged between 6 and 18 — some schools refuse to implement it.
A case in point is that of Kushanth Gowda V.R. (7), who has moderate mental retardation. Kushanth’s father, Ramesh V.H., had applied for an RTE seat under the category of ‘Child with Special Needs’. But Mr. Ramesh said his son was unable to get a seat at Apollo Convent in south Bengaluru even though he was allotted one in the first round of the lottery process. He alleged that the Education Department and the school told him that his son was not fit to be enrolled in a mainstream school.
Taking objection to this, Nagasimha G. Rao, convener of RTE task force, who received a call from the parent, said he had written to the Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights as it was a “gross” violation of child rights.
“There is a need for the government to be sensitive towards a child with special needs. The RTE Act clearly stipulates that children with special needs must get access to education till 18 years of age.”
Mr. Ramesh alleged that the Education Department had promised his son a seat in another school. “First, the department raised an objection stating that we had not given rental agreement, and when we submitted all documents, they said my child was overage.”
He showed certificates from Kushanth’s previous school, which certifies that he is fairly intelligent and will do well in a mainstream school.
Nageena S., RTE Nodal Officer of Apollo Convent, said they were merely obeying the instructions of the department officials, but conceded that the school was not an “inclusive” one.
Commissioner for Public Instruction Mohammad Mohsin said the application would be examined.
The Act enables free and compulsory education to children aged between 6 and 18
