Sri Vijaya Puram, Sep 07: Mr. TSG. Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has written to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, urging immediate action to fill the critical gaps in the educational support system across the Union Territory’s schools.
In his letter dated September 2, 2025, Mr. Bhasker highlighted the alarming absence of Special Educators, Counsellors, and Speech Therapists in many government and aided schools throughout the islands. This shortfall, he said, is in direct violation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, both of which emphasize inclusive and equitable education for all children.
“Many children with learning disabilities, speech impairments, and emotional or mental health needs are being deprived of the support they are legally entitled to,” said Mr. Bhasker.
The letter strongly calls for an urgent assessment of the current availability of special educators and support professionals across schools, collaboration with expert institutions such as the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) for recruitment and strict implementation of NEP 2020 provisions related to inclusive education.
Mr. Bhasker emphasized that the lack of trained professionals in schools also puts unfair pressure on regular teachers, who are often unequipped to handle the diverse needs of students with disabilities or emotional challenges.
“Ensuring access to special educators and support staff is not just a policy mandate—it is a moral and social responsibility,” he added.
He has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to treat this as a priority issue, ensuring that no child is left behind in the journey towards inclusive education in the islands.
