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Chandigarh launches inclusive education policy for kids with disabilities

New framework mandates equal access, support services, and skill training to strengthen rights and dignity of disabled students

The Chandigarh Administration on Friday rolled out its first comprehensive Education Policy for Children with Special Needs – 2025, aimed at ensuring barrier-free, dignified, and quality education for children with benchmark disabilities. The policy was launched at Punjab Raj Bhavan by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who called it “a strong initiative towards inclusiveness and the spirit of equality guaranteed by the Constitution”.

Kataria underlined the social significance of the step, stating, “the measure of the true progress of any society is how it empowers its weakest sections. This policy is not just limited to opening the doors of schools, it is also a means to bring out the inherent talent and potential of the children. Chandigarh is proud that we are strengthening the spirit of equal opportunity and inclusion in the field of education”.

Framed in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the policy guarantees free and compulsory education in government and aided schools for children with disabilities up to the age of 18. For those unable to attend regular classes, home-based education will be provided, supported by a transport allowance and auxiliary services.

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Admissions have been made entirely non-discriminatory, with all inclusive neighbourhood schools required to admit disabled children. A three per cent reservation has also been set aside for them within the 25 per cent quota for economically weaker sections under the Right to Education Act. Private schools will now be obliged to admit students with special needs and provide tailored educational support.

The framework mandates the appointment of trained special educators for inclusive classrooms, adapted curricula, Braille and large-print textbooks, sign language resources, and modified evaluation systems. Collaboration with special schools and integrated education centres will support children with severe disabilities, while vocational and skill training from Class 9 onwards will prepare them for independent livelihoods.

To foster a sensitive learning environment, the policy calls for regular training and awareness programmes for teachers, parents and classmates. A grievance redressal committee in every school and a state-level monitoring body will oversee its implementation.

Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, Principal Secretary to the Governor Vivek Pratap Singh, Education Secretary Prerna Puri and Director of School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, were present at the launch.

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Officials said the new policy represents “an inspirational effort to strengthen the values of social justice, inclusion and compassion” and carries the message that “disability is not a limitation; with the right environment and opportunities, every child can make society proud with their talent”.