Among the benefits extended to the disabled in Gujarat, the most neglected area has been in the field of higher education for disabled children.

Expenditure by the Department of Social Defence on higher education for disabled children has been the lowest till date even as the Central scheme for secondary education for disabled children has now been swapped with the Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) scheme.

According to official figures, the Department of Social Defence has spent over Rs 1,457 lakh for the Sant Surdas Pension scheme, Rs 1,171 lakh for free travel, while expenditure on higher education for disabled children has been Rs 45,000 for the year 2008-2009. But only 18 people have benefited from the scheme as per the records.

Till March 2009, the Primary and Secondary education for disabled children was covered under IEDC before being withdrawn.

R P Gupta, Secretary, Primary Education, and a former IEDC Director said: “Secondary education for disabled children after the winding up of the scheme will be covered by an alternative scheme (IEDSS). An alternative scheme for primary education is being considered after our continuous follow-up.”

But the exact status of the implementation of the secondary level education scheme for the disabled is unclear as no officer has been appointed specifically for looking after the new scheme. Dharmesh Lehuva, a member of the Special Teachers Association said: “No alternative scheme has started as of now and the IEDSS scheme is yet to be launched.”

... contd.