GAPS AND HINDRANCES IN LAUNCHING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN PUNJAB

The participation of disabled children in normal education settings with its true spirit and to avail right of education without discrimination in all aspects is main focus of inclusive education (IE). There are many tangible and non-tangible gaps and hurdles hindered in the implementation of IE. The purpose of this study was to highlight those problems and gaps to pave way to implement IE. It is true that total inclusion is not possible but is possible to some extent. We need to identify some barriers which may affect the true spirit of IE. In this regard comparative cross sectional survey was done. Data was collected through semi-structured Interviews from District administrative Heads of Govt. General Education, Special Education and experts of this program (if available) of the Punjab. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample. The data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. The results of the study showed various gaps in launching the IE. Results showed that there is structural, non-structural, financial, interactive, awareness, managerial & administrative gaps hindered in the implementation of IE.