Kerala has come under severe scrutiny for its failure to comply with a Supreme Court directive regarding the appointment of particular educators for disabled students.
The Supreme Court mandated in October 2021 that all states appoint special educators and submit action reports to ensure disabled students receive appropriate support in schools. Despite this clear directive, Kerala has fallen significantly short in meeting these requirements.
As per Matrubhumi reports, Kerala serves approximately 1.6 lakh disabled students across pre-primary to higher secondary levels. However, the state has only 2,886 contractual special educators, starkly contrasting the 9,300 educators needed to support these students adequately. This shortfall highlights a critical gap in the state's ability to provide equitable education to disabled students.
The lack of sufficient special educators is a serious concern given the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, which stipulates a specific ratio of special educators to disabled students. Kerala's failure to meet this ratio has implications for the quality of education and overall well-being of disabled students. The inadequacy of special educators means that many students are not receiving the individualized attention and support they need to thrive academically.
This situation has sparked widespread criticism from advocacy groups and the parents of disabled students. They argue that the government's inaction disregards the Supreme Court's order and neglects the educational needs of a vulnerable segment of the student population. Advocacy groups have called for immediate measures to address the shortage of special educators and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
The Kerala government is under increasing pressure to rectify this situation. Steps need to be taken to recruit the necessary number of special educators, provide appropriate training, and ensure that all disabled students receive the support mandated by law. Without these measures, the state risks further exacerbating educational inequalities and undermining the well-being of disabled students.
Kerala’s failure to implement the Supreme Court's order on special educators is a significant lapse that needs urgent attention. The government must act swiftly to address the shortage, align with the RPwD Act requirements, and uphold its commitment to providing quality education for all students, including those with disabilities.