The Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC) on Thursday urged the State government to prohibit government-aided special schools for intellectually disabled to collect fees.
Stating that there is only one government-run institution which is located in Chennai, the association in a statement stated that about 300 special schools and homes for the intellectually disabled in Tamil Nadu are run by private organisations for which the government is providing financial assistance such as salary assistance for special educators and food expenses.
“These schools also collect high fees. Some special schools in Chennai also allegedly charge up to ₹15,000 per child a month. Hence, any government-aided school should be prevented from charging any fees. Even if the government does not provide any financial assistance, the schools must be prevented from charging more than ₹1,000 per month. The government should also come forward to pay this fee,” it added.
TARATDAC pointed out that the closure of a school in Tirunelveli in April 2024 left the students, parents and teachers in a tough spot. “Further due to fund shortage too the schools are forced to shut down in which case the government must come forward to run the schools. The government should take responsibility and implement special education for these children,” it added.
Published – January 31, 2025 01:10 am IST