State of the Education Report for India 2019 launched

The State of the Education Report for India 2019: Children with Disabilities, was recently launched at an event organized by UNESCO in New Delhi. The event was attended by more than 200 representatives from government, civil society, academia, partners and youth.

To be published annually, the 2019 edition of report is 1st of its kind published by UNESCO New Delhi. It highlights accomplishments and challenges with regards to Right to Education (RTE) of children with disabilities (CWDs).

Key findings of Report

Based on extensive research of national and international documents of reference, the report provides comprehensive and detailed information on present state of education of CWDs and submits 10 key suggestions to policy makers.

Bodies involved: It is Prepared by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and commissioned by UNESCO.

Citing 2011 census data, report showed that there are more than 78 lakh CWDs in India between age group of 5-19 years. 27% of these CWDs between (ages 5 to 19) have never attended any educational institution.

Nearly 75% of 5 year olds who have certain disabilties, do not go to any educational institution.

In schools there are fewer girls with disabilities than boys.

The proportion of CWDs who are out of school is higher than overall proportion of out-of-school children at national level.

Home-based education: In many parts of rural India, if a parent opts for home-based education, the child may not be getting an education at all as it often exists only on paper for CWDs.

Challenges: Inadequate allocations, delays in releasing funds and under-utilisation of allocation remain key challenges in financing education for CWDs.

Differences noted among various types of disabilities

Only 20% of children with impairments related to Visual and Hearing had never been in school. However, among children with multiple disabilities or mental illness, that figure rose to more than 50%.

Recommendations:

Amend the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 to make it align with the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Data: There is a need to strengthen data on children with disabilities which can help in effective planning, implementation and monitoring of their education.

Campaign: There should be concentrated campaigns and large scale awareness which can improve the attitude towards children with disabilities in the classroom and beyond.

Mechanism under Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) is needed to coordinate all education programmes for children with disabilities across departments. This would help remove inconsistencies and achieve synergy in the various measures aimed at their education.

About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, Sciences and Culture.

UNESCO’s programmes contribute towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 2015.

It fosters scientific programmes and policies as platforms for development and cooperation.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019