New Delhi | January 21, 2026: Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, today inaugurated the 3-day Inclusive Education Summit 2026, being organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, from January 21 to 23, 2026, in New Delhi. On the occasion, he also inaugurated an Exhibition showcasing technology-enabled assistive devices designed to support Children with Special Needs (CwSN).
The event was attended by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL; Shri Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT; Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Education, NCERT, national institutions, and key stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Inclusive Education Summit reflects India’s strong and collective commitment towards building an inclusive, equitable, and sensitive education system. He emphasised that inclusive education is not confined to any single scheme but represents a national resolve to ensure dignity, equal opportunity, and a self-reliant future for every child.
Reiterating the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, the Union Minister said that the foundation of Viksit Bharat can be laid only through education that leaves no child behind. He highlighted that the expansion of recognised disability categories from six to twenty-one reflects India’s evolving and inclusive policy approach.
Shri Pradhan underscored the importance of early identification of learning challenges such as dyslexia and dyscalculia and stated that inclusive education is a shared responsibility of schools, families, institutions, and society at large. He added that ensuring dignity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for the Divyang population requires enabling laws, inclusive infrastructure, progressive policies, and sustained innovation.
The Union Minister also visited the exhibition area and appreciated the innovative, world-class assistive solutions developed by Indian start-ups, aimed at addressing the diverse educational needs of CwSN and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisages an inclusive education system with the goal of achieving 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio at the secondary level by 2030. He stressed that inclusion goes beyond access and must ensure meaningful learning outcomes, safety, social development, and timely intervention, particularly during the foundational years. He also highlighted the need to inculcate empathy among students and teachers to sensitively address diverse learning needs.
The Summit aims to strengthen policies, practices, and innovations for inclusive education in alignment with NEP 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. It serves as a collaborative platform bringing together policymakers, States and Union Territories, education boards, experts, civil society organisations, start-ups, and industry partners to share best practices and chart future pathways.
The context-setting session was presented by Smt. A. Srija, Economic Advisor, DoSEL, who outlined that the Summit addresses the full continuum of inclusive education—from early identification and learning support to participation, skills, and livelihoods. Discussions also include inclusive assessment practices, examination accommodations, skill development, and employment pathways for CwSN.
Focus Areas of the Inclusive Education Summit 2026
Day 1: Leveraging Digital Technology and Assistive Devices
Focus on digital tools and assistive technologies to enhance access, participation, and learning outcomes for CwSN, with live demonstrations by start-ups and national institutions.
Day 2: Inclusive Education Pathways – National Models, Tools & Trainings
Key highlights include:
- PRASHAST 2.0, the upgraded disability screening and tracking tool integrated with UDISE+
- Teacher training and sensitisation for inclusive classrooms
- Strengthening Resource Rooms and Resource Centres
- Promotion of inclusive sports and vocational education
Day 3: Specific Learning Disabilities, Neurodiversity, and Future Avenues
Focus on identification, curriculum adaptation, pedagogy, assessment reforms, remedial education, skill development, and education-to-employment pathways for CwSN.
The Summit seeks to strengthen inclusive education policy and practice, promote assistive technologies, build teacher capacity, enhance inter-sectoral collaboration, and identify future pathways for CwSN.
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