India's Education Ministry Unveils Comprehensive Plan for Inclusive Education Nationwide
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New Delhi: In a significant move towards creating a more inclusive education system, the Union education ministry has emphasized the need for a systemic approach in supporting children with special needs. Instead of relying on civil society and parents, the ministry has announced a five-day, eight-module national training programme for general teachers to equip them with the necessary skills to cater to diverse needs. The Inclusive Education Summit, organized by the education ministry, brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and parents to discuss strategies for ensuring every child's participation in education. Deputy Secretary Ira Singhal highlighted the government's commitment to building an inclusive education system, stating that if the government does its job well, others will not need to step in. The summit featured presentations on assistive technologies, including innovative devices and learning tools, to support children with special needs. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the importance of inclusive education, calling for the screening and identification of 25 crore children and their dignified participation in society. He also stressed the use of technology to enhance their abilities. The ministry also showcased the Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool (PRASHAST) app, aimed at easing data entry and improving implementation at the field level. A national training programme for teachers on inclusive education is set to begin by end-March, followed by structured module-based training. The programme aims to strengthen inclusive education nationwide, with states urged to nominate master trainers. The summit's third day focused on government policies and initiatives for inclusive education, with various states sharing best practices. The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) outlined steps to expand special educator training and professional courses, while Andhra Pradesh showcased its autism centres, with 125 centres planned. The event marked a significant step towards creating a more inclusive education system in India.
