9,154 differently-abled kids identified 

Srikakulam: In all, 9,154 differently-abled children were identified in Srikakulam by the Rajiv Vidya Mission (RVM) staff from all the government and private schools and colleges. The children are suffering from 21 different types of disabilities between 0 and 18 years age group.  

The government is planning to provide inclusive education to them through RVM by engaging special coordinators. Integrated survey was conducted to identify differently- abled children in the government and private schools and colleges across the district from February 9 to March 6.

Rajiv Vidya Mission (RVM) staff conducted a survey in all schools to identify mentally or physically challenged students. About 295 staff of RVM are conducting the survey in 38 mandals across the district.

According to the survey report, 9,154 differently-abled children have been identified of them 5,230 are boys and 3,924 are girls. Basing on the details, the RVM officials will prepare a report and send it to the government.

At present, some mentally challenged students are being provided education at their residences with inclusive education resident teachers (IERT) under the supervision of RVM and more students will be covered under the scheme.

Basing on the survey, other government schemes will also be provided to these students for their all-round development. “Aim of the survey is to identify children who are suffering from mental or physical illnesses”, district coordinator for inclusive education A Sanjivi Rao explained.

If anyone missed to register their details during the survey their parents or guardians may approach their nearest government school or mandal educational officer (MEO) to record details, said RVM project officer S Trinadha Rao.