Children with Special Needs Under Sarva Shiksha Abhivan is a supportive scheme run by the Directorate of Education, Government of Goa, to give complete educational help and resources to children with disabilities. In the 2025-26 academic year the Goa government spent ₹2.8 crore to support more than 11,000 children with special needs, which shows the scheme is still very much open for eligible families.
This scheme is now part of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the single centrally sponsored programme that brought together Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and teacher education under one state implementation society. The focus stays on inclusive education so that every child, whatever the type of disability, gets proper care, learning tools and training.
Children with Special Needs Under Sarva Shiksha Abhivan - Introduction
Children with Special Needs Under Sarva Shiksha Abhivan, managed by the Directorate of Education, Government of Goa, aims to offer inclusive support for differently-abled students. The scheme covers medical checkups, home-based learning, teaching materials, assistive aids and specialised support systems for children across the state.
By creating resource rooms in regular schools and offering training for educators and volunteers, the scheme makes sure children in Goa get the environment they need to succeed in their educational journey. As per official data, 11,166 special children studying in 30 special schools and in 74 resource rooms in regular schools received aid during the 2025-26 academic year.
The state also pays an escort allowance to students with severe disability so they can study in resource rooms in regular schools. During 2025-26 up to December 2025, ₹11.3 lakh was spent and 194 students benefited from this support. Transport allowance is given to children with special needs who have severe disability, with ₹7 lakh spent for 92 students in the same period.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Children with Special Needs Under Sarva Shiksha Abhivan |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| State | Goa |
| Category | Education, Health, Wellness |
| Benefit Type | Cash grants for educational activities |
| Department | Education Department |
Benefits
This scheme provides financial grants to support several activities that help students. The funds cover costs for medical assessments, the creation of resource rooms, home-based education, Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM), training for teachers, volunteer support, assistive aids and required corrective surgeries.
In the 2025-26 academic year, the state spent ₹2.8 crore under the scheme. This coverage has improved a lot over a year, as in 2024-25 only 680 students received the aid, with the state government providing ₹41 lakh in benefits. Girl students with disabilities also get a stipend to motivate them to continue their education and stay in school. During the last academic year, ₹5 lakh was provided to 265 girls up to December 2025.
Special children are also given support such as a speech therapist, physiotherapist, escort allowance, transportation allowance and help to buy equipment. A grant-in-aid of ₹15 crore was provided to Sanjay School, an autonomous society with full funding from the state, which runs six schools.
Eligibility
Any child who is differently-abled or has identified special needs is eligible for support under this scheme. For example, if a child named Rohan faces specific learning challenges or has a physical disability, he can benefit from the resources provided by this scheme.
Parents, guardians or heads of schools where a child with special needs is enrolled can apply for the benefits. The scheme covers many conditions, such as intellectual or physical disabilities, as specified under the current eligibility guidelines.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Prepare a plain written application that clearly details the individual needs of the child. Mention the type of disability and the kind of support required.
STEP 2 - Attach the relevant medical certificates that confirm the disability of the child. Keep copies of the Aadhaar card and other supporting documents ready.
STEP 3 - Submit the application to the designated educational authorities in the area, such as the local school head or the education office. Visit the official website of the Directorate of Education Goa for the most recent updates on the Goa Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan page.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying for the scheme.
- Aadhaar card of the child and the parent or guardian.
- Medical certificates that clearly detail the disability of the child.
- Other supporting documents as requested by the local education authorities.
References
Goa Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan - Directorate of Education
Goa: 11k special children get Rs 2.8 crore benefit from govt scheme
FAQ's
What is the objective of Children with Special Needs Under Sarva Shiksha Abhivan?
This scheme supports the educational requirements of children with disabilities to make sure they receive proper care and resources for their development.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Parents, guardians, or heads of schools where a child with special needs is enrolled can apply for the benefits.
What types of disabilities are covered?
The scheme includes various conditions, such as intellectual or physical disabilities, as specified under the current eligibility guidelines.
What assistance does this scheme provide?
It provides cash grants for medical assessments, assistive aids, resource rooms, teacher training, escort and transport allowances, and corrective surgeries.
How can I apply for this support?
You should submit a written application outlining the child's needs along with supporting medical documentation to your local school head or education office.
Are there specific rules for using the grants?
Yes, grants must be used strictly for the educational and developmental activities outlined in the scheme guidelines to improve outcomes for children.