Minister promises additional funds to spl schools

Minister for Forest and Ecology Ramanath Rai has promised to make an effort to release additional funds to all the special schools functioning in the state and also to hike the salary of the teaching and non teaching staff of the special schools.

Speaking after inaugurating girls hostel at the Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre for Mentally Challenged on Saturday, he said there is a need to extend helping hand to special children. The facilities from the government are needed for these kids.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader said the issue of hike in grant to the schools and also hike in salary of the teaching staff will be brought to the notice of the chief minister. Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens Director Jayavibhavaswamy said there are no proper guidelines in the rules that were framed in 1982 on the release of funds for special schools.

Hence, it is difficult to release the funds. Funds in a few departments have remained unused in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. In Udupi district, about Rs 66 lakh is pending unused. If the government brings in amendment, then unutilised funds can be used for the development of special schools.

The budget has earmarked Rs 30 crore for the special schools in the state. The gazette notification for four new schemes for the empowerment of these kids will be notified within two to three days. Free education for children who have passed 10th standard, financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for willing to marry a girl with a disability and the scholarship amount will also be hiked. MLC Monappa Bhandary announced Rs 5 lakh from MLC grant to the Saanidhya school. Karnad Sadashivarao Trust handed over Rs 80,000 to install solar water heater facility to the hostel. Trustees Shalini Pandith and N S Kamath handed over the cheque. MLC Bharathi Shetty also spoke.