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Bhubaneswar, May 24: Schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will now have inclusion committees to look after issues of children with special needs.
The proposed four-member committees will be headed by the principals of the schools and will include the school counselor, special educators and a teacher’s representative.
The committee will act as a facilitator for promoting inclusive education at the school-level, according to the guidelines set by the CBSE. It shall also be a referral agency for children from disadvantaged groups and weaker sections of the society.
“There are various provisions for children with special needs to ensure their active and successful participation in the school system. It is often observed that these provisions are not benefiting the targeted population and are often being misinterpreted by students and stakeholders in inclusive education,” stated a CBSE circular.
The council has asked the respective school inclusion committees to ensure that all possible help is given to special children and their problems regarding admission, classroom placements, curriculum transaction and exemptions in examination are addressed. The committee will also address other issues related to safeguarding the interest of special children.
“It is a welcome step by the council. Special students should be given more care. An expert committee is the need of the hour to address their issues. They should not be discriminated against,” said Sandhya Jena, principal in-charge, BJEM School.
The proposed committee will also take steps to raise public awareness on the importance of equality, overcoming discrimination and prohibiting harassment and victimisation of any child with special needs in the schools.
