New Delhi: The Ministry of Education has launched the second cycle of its Capacity Building Program on Specific Learning Disability (SLD) under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP). Following the success of the first cycle, this initiative aims to empower Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with the necessary skills and knowledge to support students with specific learning disabilities, fostering more inclusive learning environments.
The launch was attended by several key officials, including K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education, S.K. Barnwal, Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary Rina Sonowal Kouli, and Director Devendra Kumar Sharma. Joining them was Smt. Noopur Jhunjhunwala, Co-founder of Changeinkk Foundation. Representatives from 45 identified centrally funded HEIs, such as Central Universities (CUs), IITs, IIITs, NITs, IISERs, CFTIs, and others, participated in the virtual event.
In his address, K. Sanjay Murthy emphasized the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the need for equitable and inclusive education for all, including students with learning disabilities. He stressed the importance of making HEIs aware of these disabilities and sensitizing them to the challenges students face. To address this, the Ministry has implemented a comprehensive capacity-building programme on learning disabilities through the MMTTP.
The first cycle of the program, which ran from January to July 2024 in partnership with Changeinkk Foundation, saw participation from 27 HEIs, including top institutions like IITs, IIITs, IIMs, and NITs. Over 400 faculty members across different departments benefited from various sessions, such as orientation, sensitization, masterclasses, in-person workshops, and implementation monitoring.
The second cycle, running until December 2024, will engage a new set of HEIs through both online and in-person sessions. The focus will be on identifying and assessing students with specific learning disabilities and addressing their needs. Sessions will aim to sensitize institutional heads and department heads, with two additional nominees from each department participating. Through interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and practical sessions, participants will enhance their capacity to create inclusive learning environments.
S.K. Barnwal highlighted the critical importance of inclusive education and called on HEIs to actively engage in addressing the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities. He affirmed that this program is a major step toward equipping educators with the expertise needed to meet the diverse needs of all students.