Kochi: Kerala State Commissioner for Persons With Disabilities informed that the differently-abled students or those who are academically challenged, studying in all the government-owned or aided schools in the state have been provided Disability Certificate. The project was completed at all the districts with cooperation from departments of health, general education and social justice.
Malayala Manorama had earlier published a report titled ‘Ingane Cheyyaruth Ee Makkalodu’ highlighting the plight of differently-abled students and their parents as they struggle to get the necessary certificates. Following this, the State Commissioner for Persons With Disabilities P Panchapakesan intervened and instructed the authorities to hold camps in all the districts.
However, the project faced many challenges due to the shortage of clinical psychologists and the soaring number of applicants. In case any deserving candidate from a government or aided school hasn’t received the certificates yet, it would be examined, said the Commissioner.
Meanwhile, complaints have been rife that many students from other classes and those who are studying in private unaided schools haven’t received the certificates yet. More than 3,000 students, who are studying in lower classes in government and aided schools are yet to get the certificates.
The State Commissioner for Persons With Disabilities has written to all the MLAs to conduct special camps in their respective legislative assemblies to distribute certificates to differently abled students in all the categories. The first such camp would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Peralassery in Dharmadom on 16 March.