First ever Regular Recruitment of Special Educators in UT Chandigarh School Education Department
Chandigarh Administration Remains Committed Towards Inclusive Education
Chandigarh, 24th February, 2025: In a landmark event dedicated to promoting and celebrating inclusive education, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, distributed appointment letters to newly recruited special educators. 22 TGT and 18 JBT cadre Special Educators were given appointment letters today. These posts were created by the Government of India in 2019.
Held under the aegis of the School Education Department, this ceremony was a part of the ‘Samavesh Utsav’ organised today at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-35 Chandigarh. The event aimed at fostering an environment where children with special needs are mainstreamed, thereby fulfilling the component of ‘Inclusive Education’ enshrined in the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Department of School Education has made regular appointments for ‘Special Educators’ for the first time only. By doing this, new workforce has been added to accomplish the goal of inclusive education. The issuance of appointment letters to special educators is a part of a series of appointments across various cadres, including TGTs, PGTs, and JBTs.
The event witnessed exhibition of craft items developed by CWSN and mainstreamed students. This craft mela exhibited handmade candles, handloom, paintings, wall decors and other craft prepared using minimal resources. Also, special aids, appliances and TLM kits, made available by ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), were given to 75 students. Special athletes were also felicitated by the chief guest during the event. Sh. Kataria interacted with the students, parents, coaches and teachers and motivated them to put best foot forward.
Speaking at the event, the Administrator commended the appointees for their dedication and urged them to embrace this golden opportunity to serve their responsibility towards society. Sh. Kataria said, “As special educators, you are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the children with special needs (CWSN) into an asset for the country where they not only contribute towards nation building but also set an example for all. Your role is not confined to academics but extends to instilling confidence and hone natural talent in students”. Sh. Kataria shared that our country’s specially-abled people have won in the para Olympics and para athletic games, showcasing that if their skill and talent is honed, then any landmark can be achieved. He said that the Chandigarh Administration would further enhance sports facilities, including coaching, for the specially abled students in the city.
The Administrator UT congratulated the Education department and said that this is a result of cumulative efforts of all stakeholders. He expressed satisfaction that our special educators are also working for CWSN children at their homes, who cannot come to schools. He said, “If we are able to positively change the life of even one student, that too is a great achievement. We need to work even harder so that all our schools become very accessible for all children and their parents for admissions”. The Administrator also stressed the importance of professional development, urging teachers to participate in training programs, embrace innovative teaching methodologies, and remain updated with global educational trends. The Administrator reiterated the Administration’s dedication to holistic education, emphasizing the need to foster a supportive environment for all students.
Currently around 1.5 lakh students are studying in 111 government schools of Chandigarh Education Department out of which 3087 children with special needs (CWSN) students are there. Along with that, 157 CWSN students are attended at their homes by special educators. Apart from this, 2985 children who could not get a chance to get formal education due to their personal reasons have also been identified and inducted into special training centres running in various government schools of Chandigarh.
The event concluded with commitment from educators, parents, and all stakeholders present to work collectively in realizing the vision of inclusive education where every student has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
Present during the event were Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh; Sh. Vivek Pratap, IAS, Principal Secretary to Governor; Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary Education; Sh.Abhijit Vijay Chaudhari, IAS, Special Secretary to Administrator, Sh. Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, PCS, Director School Education, Ms. Madhvi Kataria, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Chandigarh; and other officers of Education department and Chandigarh Administration.
