In a continued effort to promote inclusive education, the Ministry of Education has launched the second phase of its Capacity Building Program on Specific Learning Disability (SLD) under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP). This initiative seeks to equip Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with the expertise needed to support students with learning disabilities, building on the successful outcomes of the program’s first cycle.
The launch was marked by the presence of prominent figures such as Secretary for Higher Education, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy; Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Shri S.K. Barnwal; Joint Secretary, Higher Education, Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli; Director, Higher Education, Shri Devendra Kumar Sharma; and Co-founder of Changeinkk Foundation, Smt. Noopur Jhunjhunwala. Representatives from 45 centrally funded HEIs, including universities and technical institutes like IITs, IIITs, and NITs, participated virtually in the event.
Shri K. Sanjay Murthy emphasised the significance of the initiative, noting that the National Education Policy 2020 acknowledges the need for an inclusive and equitable educational framework. He stressed that HEIs must be well-informed and sensitive to the challenges faced by students with specific learning disabilities. “A regular capacity-building program focused on learning disabilities is crucial for addressing these challenges,” Murthy explained, outlining how this initiative is designed to bolster the skills of key educational stakeholders.
The program’s first cycle, which ran from January to July 2024 in collaboration with Changeinkk Foundation, involved 27 HEIs and included Central Universities, IITs, and NITs. It provided over 400 faculty members with training through a variety of sessions, including orientation, sensitisation, masterclasses, and regional workshops. The program’s success has paved the way for this second phase, which will extend until December 2024.
This new cycle aims to deepen the focus on identifying and assessing students with SLD and addressing their educational needs. The program will include a blend of online and in-person sessions, specifically targeting institutional leaders and department heads. Participants will gain practical insights through interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and hands-on sessions, all designed to enhance their ability to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.
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Shri S.K. Barnwal, speaking at the launch, highlighted the importance of inclusive education and urged HEIs to take full advantage of this opportunity. “This program represents a vital step in empowering educators to meet the diverse needs of students with learning disabilities,” Barnwal remarked, encouraging institutions to embrace the initiative.
The Ministry’s ongoing efforts through this program demonstrate its commitment to fostering an educational system where all students, regardless of their learning challenges, are given the opportunity to thrive.
