HANDICAPPED
4.9 The objective should be to integrate the physically and mentally handicapped with the general community as equal partners, to prepare them for normal growth and to enable them to face life with courage and confidence. The following measures will be taken in this regard:
- Wherever it is feasible, the education of children with motor handicaps and other mild handicaps will be common with that of others.
- Special schools with hostels will be provided, as far as possible at district headquarters, for the severely handicapped children.
- Adequate arrangements will be made to give vocational training to the disabled.
- Teachers’ training programmes will be reoriented, in particular for teachers of primary classes, to deal with the special difficulties of the handicapped children; and
- Voluntary effort for the education of the disabled, will be encouraged in every possible manner.
4.10 Our ancient scriptures define education as that which liberates—i.e., provides the instruments for liberation from ignorance and oppression. In the modern world, it would naturally include the ability to read and write, since that is the main instrument of learning. Hence the crucial importance of adult education, including adult literacy.
4.11 The whole nation has pledged itself, through the National Literacy Mission, to the eradication of illiteracy, particularly in the 15–35 age group through various means, with special emphasis on total literacy campaigns. The Central and State Governments, political parties and their mass organisations, the mass media and educational institutions, teachers, students, youth, voluntary agencies, social activist groups, and employers, must reinforce their commitment to
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