Educational Rights And Inclusive Policies For Persons With Special Needs In India

Abstract

India's efforts to establish an inclusive education system for children with special needs are gaining momentum in the current scenario. The study focuses on the legislative and policy frameworks, such as the Right to Education Act (2005) and India's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which underscore the country's commitment to inclusive education. Despite these efforts, less than 20% of children with disabilities have consistent access to education, highlighting a significant gap between policy and practice. The study explores the challenges in policy implementation, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained special educators, and societal stigma, which continues to hinder the full realization of inclusive education in India. Initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) are assessed, revealing their limitations due to insufficient resources and training. The study also emphasizes the need for financial support mechanisms and the inclusion of Disability Studies in higher education to promote research and policy development.