The Impressive TimesIn a significant step towards fostering inclusive education, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in New Delhi between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS); and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar and Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.
This collaboration aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive educational framework for persons with disabilities, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Special Accredited Institutions for Education of the Disabled (SAIEDs) will be set up under NIOS, recognizing special schools run by NGOs supported under the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS).
These institutions will offer courses including Open Basic Education (Levels A, B, C), Secondary, Senior Secondary, and vocational training.
NIOS will handle admissions, examination logistics, distribution of self-learning materials (SLMs), and ensure necessary accommodations during exams.
NCERT will adapt and revise curricula and textbooks to enhance accessibility and relevance for learners with disabilities in line with NEP 2020.
Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that children with disabilities have immense potential, and this MoU ensures they receive equal educational opportunities. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that education must be accessible to every child in the country.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted NEP 2020’s focus on inclusive education and the need for greater societal sensitivity towards disability. He announced a mission-mode initiative to ensure all schools are equipped with accessible toilets by next year to prevent dropouts due to infrastructural gaps.
Secretary (DEPwD) Shri Rajesh Aggarwal commended NIOS for introducing Indian Sign Language as a subject and expressed hope that more students with disabilities will enter premier institutions like IITs and IIMs.
Secretary (DoSEL) Shri Sanjay Kumar reaffirmed the goal of ensuring all children with disabilities complete their schooling and achieve academic success.
A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising representatives from DEPwD, NIOS, and NCERT will be established to monitor the implementation of the MoU, address operational challenges, and track progress towards shared goals.
This partnership marks a major milestone in India’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, and accessible education for all.
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