The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, has conducted a nationwide screening of an Inclusive Education Sensitisation and Orientation Module through the PRASHAST Portal. The initiative aims to help schools understand how they can support Children with Special Needs (CwSN), and create a safe, accessible and inclusive learning environment. If you are a teacher or part of a school’s support staff, here are the important details you should know about the initiative.
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What Is the Inclusive Education Sensitisation Module?
The 30-minute module has been developed to promote a whole-school approach to inclusive education. It aims to help teachers, special educators, and non-teaching staff understand their roles in supporting children with special needs.
The module uses practical examples and interactive activities to encourage appropriate and respectful practices in schools. It is available in 12 Indian languages, making it accessible to school personnel across the country.
The intended participants include school heads, teachers, special educators, and non-teaching staff, such as clerical staff, drivers, receptionists, wardens, and other support personnel.
What Is the PRASHAST Portal?
PRASHAST is a school-based digital tool designed to help identify children with probable disability conditions covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
The portal uses a two-part checklist that enables teachers to screen students based on observable indicators. Special educators then validate the cases and facilitate referrals for medical assessment wherever required.
Through this process, PRASHAST helps schools identify children who may need additional support and take appropriate steps towards inclusive education.
Where Can You Access the Module?
If you are a school head, teacher, special educator, or member of the non-teaching staff, you can visit the official PRASHAST Portal through:
https://prashast.education.gov.in/
More Than 72 Lakh Teachers Sensitised
The sensitisation of general teachers through PRASHAST has been taing place for over the past three months. During this period, more than 72 lakh teachers have already been sensitised through the dedicated module. Over 60,000 schools have participated in the nationwide screening.
The initiative highlights that inclusion is not limited to classroom teaching. Interactions with students can also contribute in creating a supportive environment across classrooms, school offices, and transport facilities.
Inclusive Education Under NEP 2020
The initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen equitable, accessible, and inclusive education in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 and the RPwD Act, 2016.
Conclusion
The PRASHAST initiative highlights the importance of awareness and cooperation in building inclusive schools. By understanding the needs of children with special needs and adopting appropriate practices, you can contribute in creating a learning environment where every student feels supported and has the opportunity to participate.
Source
Official release by Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Education, 08 October, 2026: click here to read.
Ministry of Education, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India.
