Instructions regarding the denial of admissions to Children with Special Needs

Subject: Instructions regarding the denial of admissions to Children with Special Needs

(CwSN).

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 being

implemented since April I, 2010 mandates free and compulsory elementary education for all

children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. Section 3 (2) ofthis act specifically provides that a

child with disability shall have the right to pursue free and compulsory elementary education.

Further, The RTE Amendment Act, 2012 introduced definition of children with disability and

other enabling measures.

2.While a number of initiatives and steps are being taken to include children with

disabilities into the fabric offormal schooling, it isreiterated that the provisions ofthe RTE Act,

2009 regarding the education ofchildren with special needs(CwSN) may be implemented in true

spirit. In this regard, measures such as formal identification and assessment, barrier free access

to, from and within the school, appropriate teaching learning aids in an inclusive classroom etc.

are being undertaken. In order to ensure the educational rights of children with special needs,

appropriate Government and local authorities should ensure that no school denies admission to

children with special needs, thus creating an inclusive and equitable learning environmentfor all

children.

3.State Government and UT Administrations are requested to take necessary action in this

regard and intimate the Department of School Education & Literacy on the steps taken in this

direction.

CVPRASAD