Kozhikode: The Kerala government has issued a directive denying special leave to special educators working on contract basis under Samagra Shiksha Kerala, who are also guardians of differently abled children. While the government provides special leave benefits for regular employees, contract special educators remain excluded from this policy.

Government clarification
The official government order clearly states that additional leave cannot be granted to special educators for meeting the treatment and educational needs of their children. Authorities from Samagra Shiksha Kerala have also confirmed that there is no provision for special leave for contract-based special educators. This highlights a gap in support for these professionals.

Limited Leave Options
Contract special educators are typically employed from April to March, the next year. They are entitled to only 20 days of leave during this period. Despite repeated requests from various organisations in the special education sector for special leave provisions, these demands have not been met. Currently, over a hundred special educators are parents of differently abled children, with many having to forgo employment altogether to care for their children.

Professional and Personal Responsibilities
Special educators are entitled to visit two schools each week, spending two days at one institution. They are also expected to provide assistance to children unable to attend school physically. However, with no special leave, giving adequate attention to their own differently abled children has become a challenge.

A special educator expressed the struggle: “There should be at least one person to stay with the child all the time. If we stop working, even the current income will disappear. We are meeting the child’s medical needs with our leave.”

“The children waiting at school are just like our own. However, we need to consider the needs of our children at home as well. That basic human consideration can be given, right?” she added.