Ministry of Education Issues Advisory to Ensure RTE and PM-Poshan Support for Children with Special Needs
The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, has issued a significant advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) on June 7, 2024. The advisory underscores the importance of ensuring that all Children with Special Needs (CwSN), studying in government/government-aided inclusive, home-based, or special schools, receive their entitlements under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and nutritional support under the PM-Poshan scheme.
The advisory mandates that CwSN should receive RTE entitlements such as free uniforms, free textbooks, interventions under the Inclusive Education component of Samagra Shiksha Scheme, and mid-day meals under PM-Poshan, which may include dry ration or Direct Benefit Transfer as needed.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing equity and inclusion in education for all children, as defined under the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Samagra Shiksha scheme is integral to achieving these goals, ensuring access to quality education and support services for CwSN across all levels.
Under RTE, financial support is provided to States/UTs for various entitlements aimed at promoting inclusive education, including special training for age-appropriate admissions and academic assistance for out-of-school children. The Inclusive Education component further supports CwSN with aids, appliances, transportation, and specialized teaching materials to meet their educational needs within mainstream schools.
The PM-Poshan scheme extends nutritional support to children from pre-primary to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools, reinforcing the comprehensive support framework for CwSN in educational settings.
This advisory marks a proactive step towards fulfilling the educational and nutritional rights of CwSN, ensuring their holistic development and inclusion in the educational mainstream.