YK Poudel

The National Council (NC) members on June 25th recommended providing professional training opportunities for special education needs (SEN) teachers and offering support to caregivers.

This is one of the discussions included in the Review Report on the State of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) presented by the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC).

The House will adopt the report, including the final recommendations, on July 2.

The Committee also proposed 35 recommendations in eight areas, including strengthening policy implementation, improving access to education and healthcare, raising public awareness, and ensuring nationwide accessibility, among others.

The chairperson of the House has tasked the SCAC with revisiting some of the recommendations with concerned members before the final discussion.

Several members of the House recommended providing decision-making authority and higher salaries for SEN teachers and caregivers.

MP for Dagana, Birendra Chimoria, stated that the PWDs and their caregivers face economic challenges and require comprehensive plans for assistance. He suggested that abolishing or reducing Personal Income Taxes for PWDs would be economically beneficial for them.

“The government should support the discussion on providing certificates for PWDs, as it would enhance their access to education, health, and other supports,” he said. “Regular teachers cannot be SEN teachers; if the education ministry provides year-long professional training specifically for SEN, this would be crucial.”

Hiring professionals from abroad for such needs was not beneficial in the long run, he said. “Instead, the government should focus on developing the workforce domestically.”

Zhemgang MP, Tshering Tshomo, emphasised the distinct roles of regular and SEN teachers, advocating for higher salaries for SEN teachers or a special education allowance if higher salaries are not feasible. “Furthermore, granting SEN teachers and caregivers decision-making authority and autonomy can significantly contribute to the development of SEN in schools.”

Deputy chairperson of the House, Dago Tsheringla, highlighted that some PWDs are involved in small businesses and fulfill their tax obligations based on their earnings. “In recent times, even ordinary individuals are facing tax payment difficulties. Reducing or eliminating taxes for PWDs would improve their quality of life,” he suggested.

Additionally, some members recommended that the Ministry of Infrastructure mandate all infrastructure projects to be PWD-friendly.