Free Education for Children with Disabilities in India

Author: Ian C. Langtree - View Credentials
Published: 4 Dec 2014 - Updated: 28 Oct 2026

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Overview - Related Content

Synopsis

Free education will soon be offered to children with disabilities 6 - 18 years old as mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Overview

Presenting awards to achievers in various fields, who are disabled, on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, she said it was important to ensure education and equality to all.

Similar to sports event, organized at district and State level for senior citizens, Umashree said it had to be done even for people with disabilities.

"Begin with district level and then have the best of districts compete at State level. In the event that will be organized on International Day of Persons with Disabilities from next year on, let winners be given awards," she said adding "we should also have competitions organized for them even at Hampi and Dasara Utsava."

Braille calendar for year 2015 was also released on the occasion.

Also, Niramaya Arogya Vima Yojane was formally launched at the event.

Ashwin Karthik, a person with cerebral palsy, working as software engineer with Emphasis was honored.

His mother Prabha Nagaraj and friend Bharath, who have supported him through his ups and downs, were also lauded.

A cash award of Rs 50,000 was given to two organizations for exemplary work in helping people with disabilities, eight other voluntary organizations were given Rs 25,000, for four teachers who have been teaching students with disabilities and Rs 10,000 was presented.

People with disabilities, who have achieved marks in various fields, were given Rs 15,000.

Author Credentials: Ian C. Langtree is a writer, editor, and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, which he established in 2004 as one of the longest-running independent resources for disability news and information. Over more than two decades, he has written and edited thousands of articles on disability rights, health, accessibility, and assistive technology. Drawing on a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed advocate of the Social Model of Disability, the framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that focuses on removing societal barriers rather than on individual impairments. His writing is grounded in that framework and in a lasting commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.