Ludhiana, April 29 -- Over a month after missing the Supreme Court's March 28 deadline, the Punjab education department is yet to notify sanctioned posts for special educators in government schools. The delay has angered special educators and rights activists, who accuse the state of denying thousands of children with special needs their fundamental right to education.

After the top court directed all states and union territories to declare their sanctioned posts for special educators by March 28, states like Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh advertised vacancies, but the Punjab government failed to act. "It raises serious questions about Punjab government's commitment to inclusive education," said Harish Dutt, an unemployed ...