Question : DISABLED FRIENDLY SCHOOLS



(a) whether the Government is taking any steps to make Government run-schools disabled friendly, making class rooms and libraries accessible for them;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor ?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a)to(c): Yes, Sir. Efforts are being made under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme `Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)` and `Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS)` to make Government and Government-aided schools barrier free for the disabled. In addition, funds are made available under SSA(lnclusive Education Component) and IEDSS for appointment of Special Teachers, for training of general teachers in Inclusive Education, for teaching aids and also for Learning Resource Centres in Schools. So far, 7,47,314 schools have been equipped with ramps and handrails and 63, 263 schools been provided with disabled friendly toilets under SSA. Funds have been released for coverage of 34,295 secondary and higher secondary schools under IEDSS, so far.