CBSE asks schools to form panel to promote inclusive education

Amid concerns that various provisions for children with special needs are being misinterpreted, CBSE has directed all affiliated schools to form a 'School Inclusion Committee' to address the issues.
The Board is providing various exemptions for children with special needs to ensure their active and successful participation in school system, in pursuance of Right to Education Act 2009 and Person with Disability Act 1995.
"It is often observed that these provisions are not reaching the targeted population and often being misinterpreted by the students and stakeholders in inclusion education," Joint Secretary and IC (Academics & Training), CBSE, D T Sudharsan Rao said.

The proposed 'School Inclusion Committee' comprises four members including the school counselor, special educator, teachers representative and principal. School principal will be chairperson of the committee.
It will act as facilitator for promoting inclusive education at school level and in neighborhood and will also be a referral agency in case of children from disadvantage groups and weaker sections of society, Rao said.
The committee will address all the issues with regard to- admission, classroom placements, curriculum transaction, exemptions in examination and any other issue to safeguard the interest of children with special needs.
It will also take steps to raise public awareness on the importance of equality, overcoming discrimination and prohibit any kind of harassment and victimisation of any child with special needs in school, Rao added.