In an attempt to benefit the children with special needs, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has decided to implement a 50% reduction in the examination fees for them. Reportedly, a circular issued by the secretary of the Goa Board stated that the examination fee shall be decreased to 50% of its current value for all the specially-abled children who will sit for their class 10th or 12th board examination through an accredited secondary or higher secondary school.

No practical examinations fees for examinees with special needs

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The amended fee amount stands at ₹ 525 for students who deposit within the stipulated time while it would be ₹ 1,025 if the late fee is added. These students will also be exempted from paying the fee for practical examination. Additionally, a reduced fee of ₹ 300 would be charged for providing the statement of marks and the passing certificate.

The board's resolve attempts to grant an advantage to the kids with special needs. Though the decision regarding the concessions was taken by the Goa Board's executive council in January last year, it is being extended to the students from the forthcoming board examination.

Not the first benefit scheme of the state board

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As practised by all other boards of education, the Goa board also provides other relaxations to these students appearing for 10th and 12th examinations. Facilities like the help of a scribe are provided based on the nature and extent of disability.

The latest intervention is not the first of its kind in Goa. Since 2005, the Goa Board has kept a separate set of provisions for children with special needs. The scheme that underwent revisions in 2008 and later in 2018 is targeted towards providing financial aids to regular schools for establishing resource rooms and executing all-encompassing methods of education. Also, allowances are offered to the parents of these children for being able to avail facilities like physiotherapy.