JOIN US'Rehab of special children inadequate, so far'
He was speaking after inaugurating a state-level seminar on “Education Rights of Specially-abled Children,” organised by the department of Education and Research of Karnataka State Open University here on Monday.
The department of education and department of women and child welfare of the state government should join hands with the Commissionerate to create a programme for the specially-abled, and make it successful in the state, the Commissioner said.
He criticised the education department for failing to conduct a survey on the percentage of drop outs in the specially-abled children section in primary and high school education.
“The department draws funds from the Commissionerate towards the welfare of the disabled children and students. About 1,24,250 students have been enrolled into conventional schools in past one decade. But, there is no accountability on the percentage of students who have completed education and also about drop outs,” he said.
On the flipside, Rajanna took a dig at the department of women and child welfare.
“The department has failed to keep track on the medical and educational intervention programmes for the special children.
“The funds are not released for any other purpose than help solve the problems of the specially-abled and provide them proper rehabilitation. Otherwise, all concerned government departments, NGOs will be violating the constitution,” he opined.
He said the departments should consult with the genuine NGOs working for the betterment of the disabled and the parents of specially-abled to chalk out programmes. He also asked the education department to keep track of the NGOs running schools for specially-abled children without proper infrastructure.
“A few NGOs draw foreign funds and also arrive at a tacit understanding with government department to compromise on the quality. Many teachers employed in these schools are paid meagre salaries, though institutions receive good package from the department. Such compromises will lead to social imbalance in society, against the specially-abled children,” he said.
On the occasion, R L M Patil, member of the Board of Management of KSOU said though the union government has enacted the Right to Education Act, the states are ill equipped to ensure proper implementation of the Act. There is 40 per cent shortage of teachers in schools in Karnataka. The state must chalk out a plan of action for the implementation of the Act, he added.
KSOU Vice-Chancellor K S Rangappa, M V Savithri, Director of Karnataka State Handicapped and Senior Citizens Welfare department and others were present.