The “Government Special School for the Visually Handicapped and the Hearing Impaired” is a welfare initiative by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. This scheme is designed to provide education, essential resources, and skill development to visually and hearing-impaired children, empowering them to lead confident, independent lives.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Boarding and Lodging
- Free boarding and lodging facilities for all admitted children.
- Education and Training
- Free academic education provided within the campus.
- Specialized training in vocal and instrumental music conducted by trained teachers.
- Uniforms and Educational Supplies
- Free supply of two sets of uniform per year.
- Free distribution of textbooks, notebooks, and educational essentials.
- Braille books provided for visually impaired children.
- Daily Needs and Resources
- Free supply of daily living necessities to all students.
- Free hearing aids for children with hearing impairments.
- Recreational Activities
- Annual educational tour arranged for all admitted children.
- Accommodation
- Separate accommodation facilities available for boys and girls.
Eligibility Criteria
- The child must be 5 years or older.
- The applicant should be either visually impaired or hearing impaired.
Application Process
The application process is conducted offline through the following steps:
- Visit the Office
- Visit the Department of Social Welfare office or sub-offices during working hours to collect the application form.
- Fill the Application Form
- Complete the form with all mandatory fields.
- Attach a recent passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Attach Required Documents
- Enclose all necessary documents (refer to the document checklist below).
- Submit the Application
- Submit the filled application form to the respective authorities:
- Puducherry: Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe/Yanam: Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Submit the filled application form to the respective authorities:
- Acknowledgement
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing the submission date, time, and a unique ID number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Address Proof (e.g., Ration Card)
- Age Proof
- Disability/Medical Certificate
- Transfer Certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age requirement for eligibility?
- The child must be at least 5 years old to be eligible for admission.
2. Are separate accommodations available for boys and girls?
- Yes, separate living arrangements are provided for boys and girls.
3. What educational resources are provided for visually impaired children?
- The scheme offers Braille books, textbooks, notebooks, and other academic necessities.
4. How does the scheme address the daily needs of students?
- The scheme provides free daily living essentials, including food, clothing, and personal items.
5. Are hearing aids provided under this scheme?
- Yes, free hearing aids are supplied to children with hearing impairments.
6. Is there an annual tour organized for the students?
- Yes, an annual educational tour is arranged for all admitted students.
7. What cultural activities are encouraged under this scheme?
- Specialized training in vocal and instrumental music is provided to foster cultural growth.
8. Can applications be made for classes other than 1st standard?
- Yes, admission for other classes can be facilitated with proper documentation.