Patna: In a significant step toward strengthening inclusive education and welfare, the Government of Bihar announced plans to establish special schools dedicated to children with disabilities. The initiative aims to ensure that differently-abled children receive education up to Class 10 and 12 without any interruption, equipped with facilities tailored to their specific needs.
The announcement was made by Social Welfare Department Secretary Vandana Preyashi, who addressed a large gathering at Patna’s Gyan Bhawan during a two-day event held to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Special Schools Equipped with Disability-Friendly Infrastructure
According to Secretary Preyashi, the new schools will be designed with barrier-free infrastructure, including specialized bathrooms, accessible learning spaces, and supportive learning tools. She emphasized that these schools will enable children with disabilities to pursue education in a comfortable and supportive environment.
The move is aimed at eliminating challenges faced by differently-abled children in mainstream schools and ensuring they receive equal educational opportunities.
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Scooters for Students Passing Class 10 and 12
Secretary Preyashi also announced that the department is considering a proposal to provide specially designed scooters to disabled students who clear their Class 10 and 12 examinations.
The proposal will soon be placed before the state cabinet, and once approved, the program will be implemented across Bihar. Departmental consultations are already underway to finalize its framework.
Financial Support for Civil Service Aspirants
Highlighting the commitment towards empowering persons with disabilities academically and professionally, she revealed that under the Civil Services Incentive Scheme:
- Candidates with disabilities who qualify the UPSC preliminary exam will receive ₹1 lakh as financial assistance.
- Those clearing the BPSC preliminary exam will be granted ₹50,000.
The scheme aims to motivate more differently-abled youths to pursue administrative careers.
State to Host a ‘Divyangjan Mahotsav’
The government will soon organize a Divyangjan Mahotsav, a statewide festival dedicated to disability awareness and welfare schemes. The event will serve as a platform for disseminating information about various government programs and showcasing the capabilities of children and adults with disabilities.
Celebration Focused on Talent and Inclusion
The two-day celebration featured a wide range of activities designed to provide a platform for children with disabilities to showcase their talents. Participants performed in cultural events, art displays, and skill-based competitions, all aimed at boosting confidence and creating a sense of equal opportunity.
Secretary Preyashi reiterated that persons with disabilities deserve the same quality of life and dignity as any other citizen. She appreciated recommendations shared by experts during the panel discussions and appealed to the public to work collectively in support of the disabled community.
Stalls, Exhibitions, and Assistive Devices Distributed
The event included information stalls offering details on government schemes for persons with disabilities. Products crafted by differently-abled individuals were displayed and sold at the venue, promoting entrepreneurship among the community.
Additionally, selected beneficiaries received assistive devices during the function.
A special highlight of the event was a performance by Indian Idol fame Menuka Paudel, which captivated the audience.
Distinguished achievers including Annu Kumari, World Cup–winning para-cricketer, and Jyoti Sinha, renowned Madhubani artist, were felicitated for their contributions and excellence.
Dignitaries Present
The program was attended by Social Welfare Department Director Yogesh Kumar, Special Officer Sparsh Gupta, OSD Anjali Sharma, and several other officials.
