The State Advisory Committee on Inclusive Education has directed that Andhra Pradesh should emerge as a leader in implementing inclusive education, ensuring that children with special needs (CwSN) receive quality support and opportunities. A review meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of B. Srinivasa Rao, State Project Director (SPD), Samagra Shiksha, where the status of inclusive education initiatives across the state was discussed.

Presenting key figures, Srinivasa Rao noted that 747 Inclusive Education Resource Persons (IERPs) are currently working at the school level, not only teaching children with special needs but also extending home-based education to nearly 3,000 students every Saturday. He added that dry rations, rice, eggs, and chikkis are being provided to students learning from home.

According to UDISE data, Andhra Pradesh has 89,435 children with special needs enrolled in schools from Classes 1 to 12. Since June 2024 alone, 16,238 new students have been admitted under inclusive education programmes. The SPD highlighted the role of 679 Bhavita Centres across the state, which currently provide physiotherapy, remedial education, and counselling to over 13,500 students.

With the initiative of Education Minister Nara Lokesh, transport allowances for CwSN have been doubled from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000, while an additional Rs 2,000 allowance for girl students has been introduced to promote girls’ education. Home-based learners are also being provided with Rs 3,000 financial support.

Rao proudly noted that children with special needs from Andhra Pradesh have won medals at the Special Olympics Bharat national-level competitions, underlining the talent and determination of these students when provided with the right support.

Looking ahead, the department has set ambitious goals, including early identification of disabilities, enhanced training for special educators, and the introduction of digital learning tools to strengthen support for children with special needs.