Q. With reference to the Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) scheme, consider the following statements:
1.It enables students with disabilities to pursue four years of secondary schooling after completing eight years of elementary schooling.
2.The scheme covers all children studying at the secondary stage in Government, local body and Government-aided schools, with one or more disabilities as defined under the Persons with Disabilities Act (1995) and the National Trust Act (1999).
3.The scheme offers specialized education programs exclusively for students with disabilities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. IEDSS enables students with disabilities to pursue four years of secondary schooling after completing eight years of elementary schooling in an inclusive environment. The scheme covers all children studying at the secondary stage in Government, local body and Government-aided schools, with one or more disabilities as defined under the Persons with Disabilities Act (1995) and the National Trust Act (1999). This scheme is now subsumed under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. Funds are released per student for student-oriented components, such as medical and educational assessment, books and stationery, uniforms, transport allowance, reader allowance, stipend for girls, support services, assistive device etc.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The IEDSS scheme aims to provide inclusive education for disabled children at the secondary stage, rather than offering specialized education programs exclusively for students with disabilities. The central focus of the IEDSS scheme is on inclusive education. This means students with disabilities learn alongside their peers in a regular classroom setting, with adaptations and support as needed.
Source: Forum IAS
