The NCERT has launched guidelines for e-content development to promote inclusive education for children with disabilities. This initiative, part of ongoing reforms, is linked to a Supreme Court case by the Javed Abidi Foundation advocating for equal access to online classes. The court aims to combine this case with previous rulings to enhance accessibility regulations comprehensively.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced comprehensive guidelines to develop e-content for children with disabilities, aimed at ensuring inclusive education in schools, the Centre informed the Supreme Court. These efforts align with broader mandates for accessibility in education and address long-standing gaps in online learning for students with disabilities.
Background of the Case
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea by the Javed Abidi Foundation, which seeks directives for clear guidelines to ensure students with disabilities can equally participate in online classes. The matter was brought before a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan on Tuesday. The petition highlights the need for systemic changes to provide equitable access to digital education.
Government’s Initiatives
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, shared the progress made under the NCERT framework in an affidavit. The government highlighted several key measures:
- Guidelines for E-Content: NCERT’s new guidelines are specifically designed to make digital content accessible for children with disabilities.
- Teacher Training: During 2022–2023, NCERT conducted in-person training programs for teachers and other stakeholders in multiple states, promoting awareness and effective implementation of inclusive practices.
- Inter-Ministerial Committee: Established in February 2022 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the committee has collaborated with key regulatory bodies such as the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE to draft inclusive education policies.
Overlap with Accessibility Standards
Advocate Sanchita Ain, representing the petitioner, referred to the Supreme Court’s November 8 verdict, which mandated the government to implement accessibility standards within three months. Acknowledging the overlapping issues, the bench suggested hearing both matters simultaneously for a comprehensive resolution.
“Therefore, it will be appropriate that both these matters are heard together and considered simultaneously,”
the bench observed. It directed the court registry to club the Javed Abidi Foundation’s plea with the earlier case.
Key Developments in Inclusive Education Policies
The Centre’s affidavit detailed additional strides in fostering inclusivity:
- Draft Guidelines by Sub-Committees: Six sub-committees formed under regulatory bodies such as NCERT, CBSE, and the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) have focused on accessibility in content, physical environments, and teacher training.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- UGC and AICTE guidelines have been disseminated to universities and technical institutions for implementation.
- RCI adopted UGC guidelines and circulated them among its approved institutions.
- NCTE issued accessibility instructions for teacher training programs.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court has adjourned the matter, allowing both petitions to be heard together for a more unified approach to inclusive education. The bench emphasized that accessibility in education is not just a necessity but a statutory obligation.
Conclusion
The NCERT’s initiatives mark a crucial step toward digital inclusivity for children with disabilities, but consistent implementation and monitoring are vital. The Supreme Court’s involvement ensures that these guidelines are effectively enforced, paving the way for equal opportunities in education for all students.
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