Special Education Teachers Await Regularisation: Disabled Students’ Education in Limbo | Representational Image
Mumbai: Despite assurances from the Maharashtra government, the regularisation of special education teachers across the state remains stalled, leaving the education of disabled students in limbo.
The government had previously approved the absorption of 2,984 contractual special education teachers and announced the creation of 4,860 additional positions for future appointments. However, the implementation of these decisions has yet to materialise.
In response, the Divyang Kalyan Vishesh Shikshak Sanghatana (Disabled Welfare Special Teachers Association) has submitted a formal request to the government, urging swift action. The association has voiced concerns about the continued delay and called for the regularisation process to be completed before the end of March.
A representative of the Divyang Kalyan Vishesh Shikshak Sanghatana, expressed the association’s frustration questioning “How will the education of disabled children progress without a decision from the government?”
The Director of the Primary Education Department, Sharad Gosavi, acknowledged the delay but reassured that progress is being made. “Verification is currently underway at the district level, with only four districts remaining. The process will be completed within the next 15 days, after which the proposal will be submitted,” he confirmed.
The decision to regularise special education teachers dates back to June 19, 2024, when the then-Chief Minister sanctioned the creation of 4,860 positions to ensure the regular education of disabled students. This move also included the absorption of 2,984 special teachers already working on a contractual basis.
These positions, notably, were allocated independently of the number of students, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving education for disabled children.
However, despite the submission of verification reports by district committees to the Director of Primary Education in Pune, no further action has been taken. The association has demanded that the government ensure full implementation of the regularisation process by March 31st.
The association’s letter also referenced the Supreme Court’s mandate, which requires the appointment of at least one special teacher per centre for disabled students.
The association remains hopeful that the state government will act swiftly to address the current gaps in the education system for disabled students, ensuring that these children receive the support and resources they are entitled to.
