Ballia, September 2: A video of a seven-year-old girl named Ragini from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has gone viral on social media, showcasing her plea for a tricycle to help her commute to school. In the video, Ragini, who has a disability affecting one of her legs, is seen hopping her way to school along the village’s unpaved roads.
Ragini suffered a leg injury at the age of six months due to an accident. Despite her family’s efforts to seek medical treatment, they faced challenges due to limited resources and poverty, leaving her to navigate her daily journey to school in this manner.
According to reports, Ragini often cries when she sees other children heading to school, which prompted her parents to enroll her. However, her working-class parents are unable to accompany her to school daily.
School principal Amit Pal stated that Ragini faces significant difficulties in commuting and requires government assistance. He emphasized the urgent need for either an artificial leg or a tricycle to facilitate her travel.
Due to her late admission, Ragini missed out on benefits from previous government schemes, but her registration has now been completed. Upon learning of her situation, District Officer Mangla Prasad dispatched a team of disability officers and doctors to assist her.
In response to Ragini’s story, Basic Education Officer Manish Kumar Singh has assured that she will receive an artificial leg and a monthly scholarship of ₹2,000.
Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), children with disabilities are entitled to free education from ages six to eighteen. The act ensures non-discriminatory admission for disabled children in schools and mandates facilities such as ramps and special toilets to ease their access. Additionally, students with disabilities are eligible for scholarships if they have 40% or more disability.
The education department is also responsible for providing necessary resources like hearing aids, Braille books, and specialized teachers to support the learning needs of disabled students.