Goemkarponn desk
Panaji: The Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities has taken suo-moto cognizance of various complaints received from parents of children with disabilities regarding the denial of admissions by Regular educational institutions in the state.
In lieu of the reported incidents of discrimination, the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has issued a decisive Order to the Directorate of Education, Directorate of Higher Education, Directorate of Technical Education and Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. As the admissions process for the new academic year commences, it is imperative to protect the interests and safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities.
In its order, the Commission has issued a firm recommendation that grants or grant-in-aid to all such non-compliant institutions, whether aided or recognized, should be suspended. This measure is intended in the interest of all Persons with Disability to ensure strict adherence to the RPwD Act 2016, the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the National Education Policy 2020. All relevant departments are now required to issue necessary directions to the educational institutions under their jurisdiction to enforce this order effectively.
State Commissioner for PwD, Guruprasad Pawaskar on the Issued Order stated that “Inclusion is not just a policy but a fundamental right of every individual. The persistent denial of admissions to students with disabilities by some educational institutions is unacceptable and violates the essence of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016. Our latest directive underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education. We will take stringent action against any institution that fails to comply with this mandate. Our goal is to create an inclusive, respectful, and empowering educational environment for all students.”
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 is a landmark legislation designed to ensure equal opportunities and full participation for persons with disabilities across all spheres of life, including education and employment. Section 3 of the RPwD Act 2016 mandates the right to equality, life with dignity, and respect for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, Section 16 of the Act obligates all educational institutions funded or recognized by the appropriate government and local authorities to provide inclusive education to children with disabilities and prohibits the denial of admissions on the grounds of disability.
The Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities remains committed to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring that no child is denied their right to education due to their disability.
