In a significant step toward inclusive education, the Goa government has extended benefits worth ₹2.8 crore to over 11,000 children with special needs during the 2025–26 academic year. The initiative reflects the state’s growing commitment to ensuring equal access to education, rehabilitation, and support services for differently-abled students.
This scheme has not only expanded its reach significantly but also strengthened the support ecosystem for children across both special and mainstream schools.
Key Highlights of the Scheme
- Total Beneficiaries: 11,166 special children
- Total Financial Outlay: ₹2.8 crore
- Coverage: 30 special schools and 74 resource rooms in regular schools
- Previous Year Comparison: Only 680 students benefited with ₹41 lakh funding in 2024–25
The sharp increase in coverage highlights the government’s intensified focus on inclusive education policies and better outreach.
What Benefits Are Provided?
The scheme offers a wide range of support services aimed at improving both educational access and quality of life for children with disabilities.
Core Support Services:
- Speech therapy and physiotherapy
- Escort allowance for severely disabled students
- Transportation allowance for school access
- Financial aid for assistive devices and equipment
These services are designed to ensure that children can participate effectively in school environments without physical or financial barriers.
Focus on Inclusive Education
One of the key objectives of the scheme is to integrate children with special needs into mainstream education systems.
- Resource rooms in regular schools enable inclusive classroom learning
- Escort allowances help students with severe disabilities attend school
- Financial support reduces the burden on families
This approach aligns with broader national goals of creating an inclusive and equitable education system.
Special Support for Girls and Severe Disabilities
The scheme also places emphasis on vulnerable groups:
- Girls with disabilities receive stipends to encourage school retention
- Students with severe disabilities benefit from transport and escort assistance
- Additional funding is provided for assistive tools to improve learning outcomes
Such targeted interventions ensure that no child is left behind due to social or economic challenges.
Institutional Support and Funding
The Goa government has also strengthened institutional infrastructure:
- A ₹15 crore grant-in-aid was provided to Sanjay School, a fully state-funded institution managing multiple special schools
This investment highlights the importance of institutional capacity-building in delivering quality education for children with special needs.
