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Min Read
The Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide awareness initiative to promote inclusive education in schools and create a safe and supportive environment for children with special needs. The Department of School Education and Literacy conducted a nationwide screening of a 30-minute awareness and orientation module on inclusive education through the ‘PRASHAST’ (PRASHAST) portal. More than 60,000 schools participated in the initiative, while over 7.2 million teachers have already been made aware of inclusive education through this dedicated module.
Focus on Creating an Inclusive Environment in Schools
The initiative aims to promote a comprehensive approach to inclusion in schools. Under this effort, general teachers, special educators and non-teaching staff are being made aware of the needs of children with special needs and appropriate ways to interact with them. This can help schools create an environment where every child feels safe and can participate in educational activities.
The Ministry of Education’s module uses practical examples and participatory activities. It has been designed for school heads, teachers, special educators and non-teaching staff. The initiative also covers support staff such as attendants, drivers, clerical staff, receptionists, deans and wardens. The module is available in 12 Indian languages, making it easier for school staff from different linguistic backgrounds to understand and apply its guidance.
PRASHAST Portal Helps Identify Potential Disabilities
PRASHAST is a school-based digital tool developed to support the early identification of potential disabilities among children covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which recognises 21 categories of disabilities. Its two-part checklist enables general teachers to conduct an initial screening based on observable indicators and signs in children. In the second stage, special educators verify these observations and facilitate referrals for further medical assessment wherever required.
This process is important because some disabilities cannot be identified through visible signs alone. However, screening through PRASHAST is not a substitute for medical diagnosis. Its purpose is to help identify children who may require further expert assessment and appropriate educational support.
Inclusive Education Is a Shared Responsibility
The Department of School Education and Literacy has been continuously raising awareness among general teachers about inclusive education through the PRASHAST portal over the past three months. According to the Ministry, participation in the nationwide screening is expected to increase further during the current month.
The initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen equitable, accessible and inclusive education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It aims to ensure that children receive respectful treatment and appropriate support not only in classrooms but also in school offices, transportation facilities and other shared spaces.
This approach recognises that inclusive education is not the responsibility of teachers alone. Instead, it is a shared responsibility of the entire school community.
