Schools asked to make Divyang-friendly facilities: Javadekar

"We will make a lot of provisions for Divyang students across the country in our upcoming new education policy," Javadekar said.

Mumbai: The Centre will make a slew of provisions for Divyang students in the upcoming education policy and has already asked schools to provide adequate facilities to them, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday.

"We will make a lot of provisions for Divyang students across the country in our upcoming new education policy. We have asked the management of schools to provide ramps in buildings, make available separate toilets for them or modify/upgrade the existing toilets and facilitate their easy movement on the premises," he said.

Javadekar was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event where he met and interacted with over 100 visually impaired girls at a city school.

He said interaction with Divyang students was part of BJP's decision to celebrate September 17, the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Sewa Diwas.

"Our MPs, MLAs and other leaders decided to celebrate our Prime Minister's birthday as Sewa Diwas. Therefore, we decided to reach out to Dalits and those oppressed and underprivileged," he said.

Javadekar was impressed with the training facilities available for students at the 116-year-old Kamla Mehta School for the Blind in Dadar.

Lauding the efforts and aspirations of the girls and their teachers, the minister said, "What we all need is just commitment and zeal to move ahead in our life. These girls are a source of energy and inspiration."

Maharashtra Minister for Social Justice Rajkumar Badole, BJP MP from Beed Preetam Munde and officers from the office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities were present on the occasion.

Javadekar also briefly highlighted what the NDA government was doing for the uplift of Divyangs (persons with disabilities).

"Our government has undertaken 'Sugamya Bharat' initiative to achieve universal accessibility (of infrastructure) for Divyangs.

"The government is providing needful support by appointing teachers for Divyang students. And now the need of the hour is to go for mapping of such students, bring them to schools and impart them with necessary skill sets."