In a significant move to bolster the inclusive education ecosystem, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Aurobindo Society (SAS). The partnership, formalised on Monday, will be implemented through SAS’s ‘Rupantar Programme’ under the newly launched ‘Project Inclusion’.

The initiative aims to build the capacity of educators, counsellors, rehabilitation professionals, and general teachers to better support children with disabilities in mainstream schools. It aligns with the mandates of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016—particularly Sections 16, 17, and 47—which advocate for inclusive and equitable education.

As part of the collaboration, SAS will deliver training and awareness programmes via a dedicated mobile application and web-based platform. The project also seeks to promote innovation in inclusive pedagogy and advance research and development to improve learning outcomes for children with disabilities.

Notably, the initiative includes outreach to geographically remote regions, including a targeted expansion to Leh under the department’s ‘Leh Inclusion Initiative’, addressing regional disparities in educational access.

Officials stated that the move forms part of the government’s broader effort to realise the vision of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, have access to quality education across India.

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