Public Comments Open on Bill to Allow Home-Schooling for Children with Special Needs

The People's Majlis has opened a public comment period on a proposed amendment to the Education Act that would allow children with specific disabilities or special conditions to be educated at home. The amendment, submitted by Haaru constituency member Anara Naaim, aims to exempt such children from compulsory school attendance and permit education through a home-schooling program. The deadline for submitting comments is 2:00 PM on November 12, via email to legal+sub1@majlis.gov.mv or by letter to the Majlis office. The amendment outlines conditions for home-schooling, including that the child must be unable to attend school due to physical disability, psychological condition, or special circumstance; parents must be financially capable; and the child must be registered in a school within the formal system. It also mandates that the Ministry formulate regulations to determine criteria based on disability proportion, and states that children who complete secondary education before age 16 are not required to attend school. Parents must make appropriate efforts to teach their child commensurate with the disability. The bill has drawn criticism from former Education Minister Aishath Ali and former President Mohamed Nasheed, among others. Gaafu Dhenu constituency member Meeaikil Ahmed Naseem warned that passing the amendment without a proper regulatory framework could create opportunities for people with rigid thinking.