13.32 Special measures for the disadvantaged groups Continuing its efforts to reach out to the disadvantaged sections of the society, the open and distance learning system proposes to extend the network of its study centers and regional centers to the disendowed Regions, and the marginalized sections of the society. A total of 6/6 Regional/ Sub Regional Centers is proposed to be activated during the eleventh plan necessitating additional outlays.
A National Center for the Differently-abled has been set up during the Tenth Plan. It is proposed to develop special programs for the visually challenged, physically challenged and hearing impaired learners, both in the vocational and general education streams during the Eleventh Plan. Provision has to be made for acquisition of software and appropriate hardware to enable the development of specialized education programs, supported by appropriate technology enabled delivery mechanisms as well as face to face Learner support mechanisms.
