Panaji, Aug 11 (IANS): The Goa education department will soon start a cell to cater to the requirements of students with special needs, according to a member of a special committee appointed by the state government.

The decision to take a call on setting up the cell would be taken later this year, even as a report recommending the setting up of a cell towards this end, as well as several other measures, was presented to the state education department earlier this week.

Avelino D'Sa, who was part of the 10-member committee, told reporters here Saturday that strict action was also recommended against schools which deny admission specifically to students who have special needs.

"The committee has drawn up a list of recommendations. We want schools to offer inclusive education. We have also recommended guidelines for schools while dealing with students with special needs," Avelino told reporters here.

"We have also recommended setting up of a separate cell within the education department to deal with issues faced by students with special needs," Avelino said, adding that the education department was favourable to the idea.