Name: Ravikumar K. & Santhosh Naik R.
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 10, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 107-114
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17998276

ABSTRACT
Inclusive education seeks to ensure that all children, regardless of disability, socio-economic background, caste, or language, have equitable access to mainstream schooling. This study examines the challenges and opportunities in implementing inclusive education in government schools of Karnataka using secondary data derived from national policies, state reports, audits, and peer-reviewed literature. Drawing on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016), the National Education Policy (2020), Samagra Shikshana Karnataka reports, and UNESCO/UNICEF studies. This paper
synthesizes evidence concerning policy frameworks, teacher capacity, infrastructure, identification of children with special needs (CWSN), community participation, and monitoring mechanisms (RPwD Act, 2016; NEP, 2020; Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, 2024). From a sociological perspective, the study situates inclusive education within the broader context of structural inequalities, social stigma, and institutional capacity. Findings indicate that while Karnataka benefits from strong policy support
and significant funding, persistent gaps exist in trained personnel, accessible infrastructure, accurate identification of CWSN, and community engagement (UNESCO, 2017; CAG, 2023). The study concludes with actionable recommendations such as strengthening district, model resource centres, expanding in-service teacher training, institutionalizing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), improving data systems, and fostering community ownership through functional School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs). Implementing these strategies could enhance equity and learning outcomes for all students in Government schools of Karnataka.

Keywords: Inclusive education, Children with Special Needs (CWSN), Samagra Shikshana, NEP 2020, RPwD Act, sociology of education