Guidelines

Bhubaneswar:- The Odisha government has developed comprehensive guidelines to establish, recognize, and provide financial assistance to educational institutions catering to children with disabilities, replacing all previously issued government resolutions.

Institutions interested and capable of providing education to children with disabilities must submit applications to the Collector through the district social security officer (DSSO), who will assess the feasibility and necessity of opening a new school.

Eligible organizations, including those registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, Indian Trusts Act, 1882, Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, any other relevant Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, can apply.

SSEPD-DSSO

The Odisha government, the DSSO once verifies the proposal, they will present it to the district-level project appraisal committee (DLPAC) for consideration. If approved by the DLPAC, they will recommend it to the Director of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) for permission to establish a new special school.

The Director of SSEPD, Bratati Harichandan, mentioned that they have made some changes to streamline the approval process and prioritize the provision of quality education to special children.

Under the new guidelines, decisions on new permission proposals will be made within 90 days of receiving the application from the respective Collector. Existing schools applying for consideration of financial assistance must provide evidence of their existence and functioning as special schools.

The permission

The permission to establish new special schools will remain valid for two years, covering two consecutive academic sessions, and it may be extended until the completion of the next academic session for valid reasons.

While the Director of SSEPD determines the curriculum of special institutions, the school management will ensure the protection of the rights of children with disabilities as stipulated in the Act and Rules. They will make separate provisions for girl children, ensuring their safety and dignity, while also preventing any physical or mental abuse and treating the children with respect.

Review the Functioning

The District Magistrate, as the head of the District Child Protection Society, the Child Welfare Committee, and other child protection functionaries, will review the functioning of special schools on a monthly basis and assess field visit reports from various officials.

New Guidelines

:- The institutions must ensure that the number of enrolled students is in line with the available  facilities.

:- It is mandatory to adhere to the prescribed standards and norms.

:- Under no circumstances should unrecognized classes be conducted within or outside the institution using its name.

:- The government should be informed if any individual or entity is found operating such institutions.

:- The buildings, infrastructure, and premises of the institution should be utilized solely for educational purposes and skill development.

Conclusion

The Odisha government’s new regulation is a positive step towards providing better educational opportunities for children with disabilities. It ensures that they have access to quality education and the necessary support services to help them reach their full potential. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of resources and trained staff. With the right support and resources, the regulation can help to create a more inclusive environment in schools and ensure that children with disabilities are not discriminated against.