MP Government Ends Services Of 252 Special Educators

The Madhya Pradesh government has discontinued the services of 252 special educators deployed in government schools, effective immediately. This move has raised concerns about the future of nearly one lakh Children with Special Needs (CWSN) studying in the state.

The order to discontinue the services was issued by Samagra Shiksha on July 31, stating that the temporary arrangement for appointing special educators had ended. The state government has cited the Supreme Court's directions as the reason for this decision.

However, the state has also issued a notification for the recruitment of 762 special teacher posts, which includes the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) in the selection process. This move has sparked controversy, as the Supreme Court's directions state that the state should not issue such orders until the matter is heard later this month.

The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI)'s decision differs from the stand taken by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) before the Supreme Court. The RCI has stated that passing TET is not a compulsory legal qualification for becoming a special educator, and that a recognized degree or diploma in Special Education and valid RCI registration are the essential qualifications.

The special educators who were discontinued were providing academic, behavioral, and rehabilitation support to students from Classes 9 to 12. They were also responsible for monitoring students' progress, training regular teachers on inclusive education, conducting assessments, and ensuring the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

The role of special educators extends beyond classroom teaching, and their discontinuation has raised concerns about the impact on CWSN students. There are more than one lakh CWSN students in the state, with over 3,000 Divyang students in Bhopal alone depending on just seven special educators.

The recruitment process for new special educators is set to begin on August 5, but the eligibility criteria have been questioned by special educators. They argue that the introduction of the Special Teacher Eligibility Test is inconsistent with the RCI Model Recruitment Rules, and that no notification or detailed rulebook was issued before introducing the test.

The future of CWSN students in Madhya Pradesh remains uncertain, as the state government's decision to discontinue the services of special educators has raised concerns about the quality of education and support they will receive. The recruitment process for new special educators will be closely watched, as it will determine the fate of these students.

The Madhya Pradesh government's decision has significant implications for the education sector in the state. The discontinuation of special educators' services has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to inclusive education, and the importance of ensuring that CWSN students receive the support they need to succeed.

In conclusion, the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to discontinue the services of 252 special educators has raised concerns about the future of CWSN students in the state. The recruitment process for new special educators will be crucial in determining the fate of these students, and it is essential that the state government ensures that the eligibility criteria are fair and consistent with the RCI Model Recruitment Rules.