Draft policy to recruit teachers for special kids

11.08.2016, Ranchi: The women, child development and social security department, in consultation with the state disability commission, has drafted a policy for the recruitment of permanent special educators for providing quality education to children with learning disabilities.

The draft policy will soon be submitted to the state cabinet for approval.

"We need to fill up vacant positions immediately," said M S Bhatia, the department's principal secretary.

There are currently only three state government-run special schools for differently-abled children, including a blind school and a deaf and mute school in Ranchi and one school in Dumka. Each school has a total strength of 30 students.

Disability commissioner Satish Chandra said, "There are seven teachers' and principal posts vacant in these schools. The draft makes a provision for a feasible teacher-student ratio (10:1) in the schools."

The draft also stipulates minimum education qualification requirements for special educators.

Teachers should have a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the Rehabilitation Council of India. All teachers will be recruited through an examination organized by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.

The draft also makes a provision for the promotion of special teachers.

"We plan to provide computer training to the children," said Chandra.

This apart, six new schools for differently-abled children are currently being constructed, one each in Hazaribag, Giridih, Chaibasa, Deoghar, Simdega and Gumla. Each school will be able to accommodate 30 students.