Educate special kids till they turn 18, High Court tells schools under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

The judges also directed that the children in shelter homes under state’s Social Justice Department should remain there, and when they are transferred to homes under the Child Welfare Committee, adequate facilities should be provided to them.

The HC was acting on a suo motu (on its own) PIL and other petitions in connection with the sordid state of affairs in shelter homes for differently-abled children across the state. Appearing before judges, HC-appointed committee head Dr Asha Bajpai contended that the provision under Persons With Disabilities Act provided education for such children till the age of 18 years.

They also said that the Social Justice Department had contended that children in their shelter homes are not covered under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The HC called on top state officials to show urgency with issues hindering the implementation of “Chunauti” project meant for children with special needs. The HC had earlier directed the state to disallow the presence of male wardens in shelter homes across the state.
aamir.khan@expressindia.com