The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday signed a tripartite agreement with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to enhance inclusive education for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
The event, held in New Delhi, was presided over by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar and Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan.
The collaboration aims to establish a framework that promotes education for persons with disabilities, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative seeks to build an inclusive educational ecosystem that provides equitable learning opportunities across the country.
Under the terms of the agreement, NIOS will set up Special Accredited Institutions for Education of the Divyangjan (SAIEDs). These will recognize special schools managed by NGOs funded through DEPwD’s Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS).
The SAIEDs will provide a range of educational programs, including Open Basic Education (Levels A, B, and C), Secondary, Senior Secondary, and vocational courses. NIOS will oversee admissions, examination registration, distribution of self-learning materials (SLMs), and issuance of ID cards, hall tickets, and certificates. The institute will also ensure that students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations and exemptions during examinations.
Complementing these efforts, NCERT will review and modify curricula and textbooks to align with the teaching methods outlined in the NEP 2020. The aim is to ensure that learning materials are relevant, accessible, and inclusive for students with disabilities.
Addressing the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Kumar highlighted the untapped potential of children with disabilities, saying, “When given the right platform, they can illuminate society with their talents.” He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of equal educational access for every child in the country. “This MoU is a strong step in that direction. Inclusive education for children with disabilities is not merely an option but a right,” Dr. Kumar said.
Pradhan emphasized the transformative power of education, noting that NEP 2020 aims to provide equal educational opportunities to all. He urged society to foster greater awareness and sensitivity towards disability.
The education minister also highlighted recent technological advancements that cater to the specific needs of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, he announced a mission-mode initiative to equip schools across states with accessible toilet facilities within the coming year, ensuring no child drops out due to lack of basic infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of DEPwD, stressed education’s critical role in the lives of children with disabilities. He expressed the government’s commitment to this cause, noting encouraging signs such as children with disabilities pursuing science education and aspiring to enter premier institutes like IITs and IIMs.
Aggarwal also praised NIOS for introducing Indian Sign Language as a subject at the secondary level, reflecting the government’s dedication to building an inclusive society.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), reiterated the collective goal of ensuring every child with a disability completes their school education. He affirmed that NIOS, DEPwD, and NCERT are working together to drive transformational change for children with disabilities.
To ensure smooth coordination and implementation of the MoU, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising representatives from all three signatories will be constituted. The committee will monitor progress, address operational challenges, and ensure timely achievement of the partnership’s objectives.