Vijayawada: IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh told the assembly on Tuesday that govt plans to launch 125 schools for children with special needs across the state. Responding to a request by Jana Sena legislator S Vijayakumar, Lokesh said they would seek support from the Centre to launch the schools.
“We realise the needs of special children. It is a fact that parents face many problems to go out to attend their work by leaving children with special needs at home. We have also received complaints that some private institutions are charging upto 50,000 per month to provide care to these children. We will resolve this issue shortly,” said Lokesh.
He added that the govt will also initiate measures to maintain the teacher-student ratio to help children get an opportunity to stand on their feet.
The minister further said that about 679 Bhavita centres were in operation in the state with the Centre’s support.
“There are 1,358 teachers with two IERPs per centre. About 41,119 children are registered at these centres,” Lokesh said, while adding that they have proposed to set up 125 new centres, one in each municipality, during 2025-26.
“A committee will be formed with members to discuss new technology and teaching aides to take proactive decision to help children,” he said.
Lokesh said the govt would complete school infrastructure works taken up under Manabadi-Mana Bhavishyattu scheme in different phases.
“Around 4,789 crore is required to complete phase 1 and phase 2 works. The govt will soon provide minimum basic infrastructure like leakproof buildings, tables, drinking water, electricity, and toilets in all schools in the state,” Lokesh added.
