Madhya Pradesh Discontinues Services of 252 Special Educators, Affecting 1 Lakh CWSN Students
The Madhya Pradesh government has discontinued the services of 252 special educators deployed in government schools, affecting nearly one lakh Children with Special Needs (CWSN) studying across the state. An order from Samagra Shiksha directed district authorities to end these positions with immediate effect, citing a July 31 temporary arrangement deadline and Supreme Court directions.
The state has issued a notification for recruiting 762 special teacher posts with the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) as part of the selection process. However, the Directorate of Public Instruction's decision conflicts with the Rehabilitation Council of India's position before the Supreme Court, which stated that TET is not a compulsory legal qualification for special educators. The RCI has prescribed recognised degrees or diplomas in Special Education and valid RCI registration as essential qualifications.
Special educators provided academic, behavioural and rehabilitation support to students in Classes 9 to 12. The sudden discontinuation has triggered concerns over the educational and developmental support available to children with special needs in government schools.
