PM-Poshan 2024: MoE issues advisory to ensure RTE entitlements & nutritional support for CWSN

The advisory underscores the imperative need for implementing necessary measures to ensure that all Children with Special Needs (CwSN), studying in government/government-aided inclusive, home-based, or special schools, are provided with their Right to Education (RTE) entitlements.

In a significant stride towards realizing the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, has issued a comprehensive advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) on June 7, 2024.

Ensuring RTE Entitlements for Children with Special Needs

The advisory underscores the imperative need for implementing necessary measures to ensure that all Children with Special Needs (CwSN), studying in government/government-aided inclusive, home-based, or special schools, are provided with their Right to Education (RTE) entitlements. These entitlements include free uniforms, free textbooks, interventions under the Inclusive Education component of the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, and mid-day meals under PM POSHAN, facilitated through either dry ration distribution or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Focused Nutritional Support

This advisory is particularly significant as it addresses the nutritional requirements of CwSN students in Special Schools under the Social Welfare Department, as well as students with severe and multiple disabilities enrolled in home-based education. It extends the coverage of the centrally sponsored PM POSHAN scheme to these students, ensuring access to nutritional support in the form of dry rations or DBT, as applicable.

Realizing the Vision of NEP 2020

The overarching aim of these measures is to align with the objectives of NEP 2020, which advocates for providing equitable access to quality education for all, including CwSN, thereby ensuring their Right to Education and fostering inclusive education practices.

Integration with NEP 2020 Objectives

The NEP 2020 emphasizes equity and inclusion in the education system, extending its scope to encompass all children, including CwSN as defined under the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Samagra Shiksha scheme of the Ministry is fully integrated with the objectives of NEP 2020, aiming to provide comprehensive support for inclusive education.

RTE Entitlements and Samagra Shiksha Scheme

Under the Centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha Scheme, RTE Entitlements constitute a pivotal intervention across all levels of school education. These entitlements include free uniforms, free textbooks, reimbursement for admissions under Section 12 (1) (c) of the RTE Act, special training for age-appropriate admission of out-of-school children, among others.

Inclusive Education Component

The Inclusive Education (IE) component within the Samagra Shiksha program is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to quality education for CwSN. Through targeted interventions, such as identification and assessment camps, provision of aids and appliances, transportation assistance, and specialized teaching-learning materials, this initiative aims to address the unique educational needs of CwSN within mainstream schools.

Nutritional Support through PM POSHAN

Furthermore, the Centrally sponsored PM POSHAN scheme extends nutritional support to children from pre-primary to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools.

This comprehensive advisory reflects the Government's commitment to promoting inclusive education and ensuring the holistic development of all children, including those with special needs

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