Confederation seeks separate act to regulate special schools

“Coming together under the banner, All India Confederation of Organisations for Persons with Mental Disabilities, representatives from 27 districts met the State Commissioner for the Differently Abled, V Arun Roy, on Friday seeking a separate act to regulate special schools. 

Speaking to DT Next, treasurer K Prabhakar pointed out that the requirements and procedures mandated by the Private School Regulation Act were hindering these special centres. 

“We have about 275 organisations, most of which have only about 40-60 children enrolled. Operating from rented buildings, presenting fire safety, building safety and sanitation certificates are problematic for them. Most of these are on the verge of closure due to such cumbersome procedures because these organisations cannot afford to have their own buildings,” he said. 

B Radhakrishnan, a confederation member, said though the organisations are rehabilitation centres, they are governed by the Private School Regulation Act. “Even in the case of renewal, rules keep changing every year. Sometimes the renewal is slated for every three years and at times, every two years,” he said. 

Radhakrishnan added that they barely receive any support from the government except for the disability allowance. 

“Till about four decades ago, they had aided private schools through support staff for mentally challenged children. The projects that are run can be closed anytime, making the role of these organisations significant,” he said.