Schools must admit disabled students: Goa govt

PANAJI: After coming across educational institutions denying admissions and facilities to students with disabilities, the directorate of social welfare in a circular stated that the institutions should not indulge in such discrimination.
According to Section 16 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it is mandatory for educational institutions to provide inclusive education to children with disabilities, the circular stated.
Educational institutions found violating the provisions of Section 16 are liable to be penalised and punished with a fine of up to Rs 10,000 for the first contravention and not less than Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 5 lakh for any subsequent contravention, the circular reads.
Education institutions are bound to admit students with disabilities without discrimination and provide education and opportunities for sports and recreation activities equally with others and make their buildings, campus and various facilities accessible, it states.
Institutions should detect specific learning disabilities in children and take measures to overcome them, director Umeshchandra Joshi stated in the circular.