Sushma Ruchal, a resident of Ward No. 17 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, who is physically disabled, is currently studying at Ramrekha Basic School located in Baglung Municipality-1.
Due to financial constraints within her family, Ruchal, who couldn't afford formal education, has been provided with residential facilities to support her studies. Alongside her, 14 other disabled students also reside and study at this school with similar residential arrangements. Despite the school offering educational support for students facing physical disabilities, orphanhood, and various social and familial challenges, there seems to be a lack of emphasis on prioritizing the education of disabled students like Ruchal.
At present, the school hosts 117 students from labor and indigenous communities of Baglung Bazaar. Despite rural schools generally having well-equipped facilities, the physical infrastructure of Ramrekha Basic School, managed at the local level, remains weak and lacks essential amenities. Although disabled students are receiving education, specific provisions tailored to their needs have not been adequately addressed. Bhupendra KC, the chairman of the School Management Committee, emphasized the obligation to provide education to disabled children residing in different districts and remote areas like Baglung. However, he highlighted the insufficiency of the school's internal revenue to meet these needs, noting that the government's monthly allocation of four thousand rupees for residential facilities falls short. He further noted the inadequacy of disabled-friendly facilities such as toilets, ramps, and resources for visually impaired students.
Additionally, children from financially disadvantaged Madhesi communities are also enrolled in the school. Principal Srijana Paudel highlighted the challenges faced in running the school, particularly in managing the nutritional needs of disabled children who receive a monthly salary of only Rs. 12,000. She pointed out the shortage of regular medication and treatment for physically weak students, stating that the school cannot cover the expenses for medication and treatment. Despite being situated in Baglung Bazaar, the school has not received adequate attention from relevant authorities.
