Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify the roles played by NGOs in promoting inclusive education under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme in a state of Tamil Nadu, India. Both governmental and NGO documents were analyzed. In addition, two NGOs were visited and staffs were interviewed. The tasks performed by the NGOs in promoting inclusive education under the SSA in Tamil Nadu state were two-fold: management of educational settings and employment of personnel. It was found that the two types of NGOs (metropolitan and rural) were different in their service capabilities. Issues related to service provisions through NGOs were also discussed from two perspectives. After the termination in 2011 of the commission to NGOs for management of the project, professional contributions as well as monitoring of government activities by NGOs may be required in the future. This study suggests that under the SSA scheme, NGOs played pioneering roles in paving the way for and providing a transitional period toward inclusive education until state governments took over these responsibilities in the state.
