Govt plans free education for physically challenged children

 

Bengaluru, Dec 4, 2014, (DHNS): Minister for Women and Child Welfare Umashree, on Wednesday, said free education would soon be offered to physically challenged children aged between 6 and 18 years as mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

 

Presenting awards to achievers in various fields, who are specially-abled, on the occasion of World Disability Day, she said it was important to ensure education and equality to all, exhorting voluntary organisations to change the word ‘handicap’ to ‘specially-abled or gifted’.

 

Similar to sports event, organised at district and State level for senior citizens, Umashree said it had to be done even for the specially-abled.

 

“Begin with district level and then have the best of districts compete at State level. In the event that will be organised on World Disability Day from next year, let winners be given awards,” she said adding “we should also have competitions organised for them even at Hampi and Dasara Utsava.”

 

Braille calendar

Braille calendar for year 2015 was also released on the occasion. Also, Niramaya Arogya Vima Yojane was formally launched at the event.

 

Ashwin Karthik, a patient with cerebral palsy, working as software engineer with Emphasis was honoured. His mother Prabha Nagaraj and friend Bharath, who have supported him through his ups and downs, were also lauded.

 

A cash award of Rs 50,000 was given to two organisations for exemplary work in helping the disabled, eight other voluntary organisations were given Rs 25,000, for four teachers who have been teaching students with disability Rs 10,000 was presented.

 

Besides, for physically challenged individuals who have achieved mark in various fields were given Rs 15,000.