There will be a three-fold increase in the funds allotted to Tamil Nadu for the school education of differently-abled children in 2010-11.
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) during a meeting held in New Delhi recently has decided to increase the allocation for the State from Rs. 13 crore in the current year to Rs. 39 crore.
Senior officials from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Tamil Nadu, presented at the meeting details about the steps taken for the education of differently-abled children.
R. Venkatesan, State Project Director, SSA, told The Hindu on Sunday that the increased allocation would ensure inclusive education for the differently-abled children through various interventions.
“The budget allotment per child is to be enhanced to Rs.3,000 a year from the present Rs.1,200,” Mr. Venkatesan, who attended the meeting, said.
The funds would be utilised for supplying Braille books, corrective surgeries, providing hearing aids, assistance devices and more facilities in schools for the differently-abled children.
S. Kannappan, SSA Joint Director, said that 1.18 lakh differently-abled children were admitted to schools in Tamil Nadu owing to their consistent efforts.
“At the MHRD meeting, it was indicated that the focus on this category of school children at secondary level is going to be increased. In Tamil Nadu, we may have to appoint more special teachers at block level,” he said.
According to him, steps will be taken to identify such children in rural areas through a village-level survey. They would be brought to schools. Children up to 18 years of age will be covered and necessary assistance will be given.
