The Ministry of Education has officially launched the second cycle of its Capacity Building Programme on Specific Learning Disability (SLD) under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP). This initiative is aimed at enhancing the ability of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to effectively support students with specific learning disabilities, ensuring that education remains inclusive and equitable as envisioned by the New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The NEP 2020 identifies learning disabilities as a significant challenge for certain students and underscores the importance of creating an educational environment that is inclusive of all learners. Higher Education Secretary Sanjay Murthy emphasized the need for HEIs to be aware of students with specific disabilities, including learning disabilities, and to be equipped to address the associated challenges. “To overcome this issue, it is essential that a regular capacity programme on learning disabilities is conducted,” Murthy stated, highlighting the ongoing commitment to making education accessible to every student.
First cycle success
The first round of the Capacity Building Programme on Specific Learning Disabilities was conducted from January to July in collaboration with the Changeinkk Foundation. This phase involved 27 Higher Educational Institutions, including prominent Central Universities, IITs, IIITs, IIMs, IISERs, SPAs, and NITs. The programme offered a comprehensive approach to training, including orientation sessions, sensitization workshops, master classes, in-person zone-wise workshops, and implementation monitoring. These sessions were aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary tools and strategies to support students with SLD in a meaningful and effective manner.
The success of the first cycle set a strong foundation for the programme’s expansion. It not only raised awareness but also provided practical solutions and tools that HEIs could implement to create more inclusive learning environments. The positive response from participating institutions has paved the way for the launch of the second cycle.
Second cycle focus
The second cycle, which commenced today and will run until December, builds on the success of the initial phase. This round includes both online and in-person sessions and is designed for a new group of HEIs. The focus will be on strategies for identifying, assessing, and addressing the specific needs of students with learning disabilities.
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This cycle emphasizes the importance of sensitizing the leadership within HEIs. The heads of institutions, along with the heads of five departments and two representatives from each department, will be the primary participants. The programme will feature interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and practical sessions aimed at enhancing the participants’ ability to foster an inclusive educational environment.
Long-term vision
The Ministry of Education’s initiative reflects a long-term vision of replicating this approach across multiple cycles, ensuring that an increasing number of institutions are equipped to support students with learning disabilities. Each cycle is designed to be a six-month programme, after which the approach will be replicated with a new set of HEIs. This systematic and structured approach ensures that the capacity-building efforts are sustainable and have a wide-reaching impact.
By focusing on the needs of students with specific learning disabilities, the Ministry of Education is taking a significant step towards fulfilling the goals outlined in the NEP 2020. The programme not only addresses the immediate needs of students with SLD but also sets the stage for broader reforms in how educational institutions approach inclusivity and support for all learners.
As the second cycle gets underway, the Ministry’s efforts continue to underscore the importance of creating educational spaces where every student, regardless of their learning challenges, can thrive and succeed. This initiative stands as a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive education system that caters to the diverse needs of all students.
