Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 60 special schools in Kerala whose registration has not been renewed are set to lose the financial aid extended by the State Government under the special school package. These schools together have 3,669 students.
The General Education Department has written to the Social Justice Department listing out the names of the schools asking it to inspect the institutions and take a decision on renewing their registration.
The Social Justice Department gives the registration under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Of these 60 schools, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts have 15 each, Kannur- 7, Kozhikode- 6, Thrissur- 5, Kasaragod- 4, Wayanad- 3, Thiruvananthapuram- 2, Kottayam- 2 and Palakkad- 1.
There are a total number of 304 special schools in the state. These schools will get governmental aid only if they are registered with the Social Justice Department. This registration is necessary to ensure the honorarium of the teachers and the students' benefits.
Of them, 30 are BUDS Schools, while the rest are run by NGOs. Those labeled as special schools since 2010 are also on the list. BUDS Schools are for mentally challenged children of poor families.