Nagpur University course to train teachers for special students

Nagpur University course to train teachers for special students

The Nagpur University will be starting a unique Bachelor of Education (BEd) course in 'special education in mental retardation' from this academic year.

According to university sources, the course would be started at Sevayog Wahan Suraksha Va Bahuddeshiya Santha's college at Nandanvan in the city. The duration will be one year. Thirty students will be admitted initially. The structure and syllabus of the course was designed by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and any college wanting to start it will have to follow the same guidelines.


As per RCI rules, the states are bound to grant sanction to any college that wants to start the course. The candidates doing this course could be employed as teacher in schools and colleges teaching mentally challenged students and adults. There is a huge demand for such tutors in India.

Sources said the course objective was to train candidates in bringing about coordination among the parents, family, doctors and community to help special children become useful members of the society. Moreover, the course will also help to develop skills and competence to cater to the needs of such children/adults.

Sources informed that the Nandanvan-based college was making efforts to start this course since last couple of years but could not because of bureaucratic hurdles. There is long and tedious procedure for any course to become a reality. It has first has to be cleared by Board of Studies (BoS), then faculty, then academic council and finally the management council. The entire process takes years if the college management doesn't have a godfather in academic circles or strong connections with politicians.

Sources credited the introduction of course to the special efforts made by vice-chancellor Vilas Sapkal who otherwise faces a lot of flak for lethargic administration. Using his special powers under Sections 14(7) and 14(8) of Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994, the VC cleared the proposal. It would normally have taken over a year to clear it since none of the statutory bodies in the university have been constituted, sources disclosed.

A couple of universities in Maharashtra offer this course including SNDT Women's University, Mumbai. The distance learning mode is more popular. The IGNOU and YCMOU provide this course through distance education mode.