Implement education-scheme in Maharashtra govt-run homes for special kids: HC
The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Government to ensure that the key education scheme 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' is implemented in state-run homes for children with mental deficiency. The bench took note of an affidavit filed by Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, which said the government's scheme and the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) would also apply to such homes.
Court was hearing suo motu PIL over orphanages' poor condition
'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' is a flagship government program for achieving universalization of elementary education. The affidavit urged the court to pass a direction to Maharashtra Education Department to implement the program. A division bench of Justices AS Oka and MS Sonak was hearing a suo motu PIL following media reports on poor condition of orphanages and homes for children with mental deficiency in Mumbai.
HC asks why government can't direct Education-Department to implement scheme
The court had in the past appointed a committee headed by Dr. Asha Bajpai, an activist, to look into the issue and submit periodic reports. The bench sought to know why the Chief Secretary cannot direct its own Education Department to implement the scheme and why it wanted the court to do so. It directed the CS to pass necessary directions to Education Department.
Affidavit clearly says special-kids should get assistance from scheme: Court
"The affidavit clearly says that children in special schools and homes (for kids with special needs) should get assistance from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme and if they are found to be capable then they should be sent to regular schools," Justice Oka said. It also asked the government to take a relook at the staffing pattern in such homes.
