On Wednesday, many special school teachers and staff gathered at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, to protest delays in government funding for children with disabilities. The Karnataka government’s Child-Centric Scheme supports 180 special schools run by NGOs and four government schools. The scheme offers ₹9,000 per child per month for 10 months, plus grants for salaries, learning materials, and operations. Sanjay Sabarad, manager of Sadbhavana Special School, said, “This scheme provides financial assistance of ₹9,000 a child per month for 10 months in a year through these schools to ensure minimum standards in teaching, care, and support services. It also provides grants covering salaries for special school teachers and non-teaching staff, special learning materials, and school operational costs.” Protesters complained about late fund releases and low salary hikes. The Karnataka State Special School Teachers’ and Non-Teaching Staff Association shared that teacher salaries increased from ₹13,500 in 2014-15 to ₹20,250 from 2022 but did not keep pace with inflation. They said government workers earn nearly three times more for similar jobs, calling this unfair. Chandrika K.M. of Jnana Vikasa Deaf & Dumb Special Residential School demanded, “It is very difficult to run our households on ₹20,000 a month, and we demand a salary increase based on current inflation.” NGOs asked for a 40% grant increase and faster fund releases. Mr. Sabarad added, “I have been running my school for over six years, and it is difficult to manage when grants are released in four instalments a year. Two instalments would save time. Further, the current grants are insufficient, and teachers are unwilling to work for such low salaries.” Protesters insist on immediate salary revision and timely grant payments.