Inclusive Education Summit 2026 launched, spotlight on dignity, access nationwide

New Delhi: Reinforcing India’s commitment to equitable learning for all, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday inaugurated the three-day Inclusive Education Summit 2026 in the national capital, a reporter observed.

Summit inaugurated with assistive technology exhibition

Organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, the summit is being held from January 21 to 23. On the occasion, the Union Minister also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing technology-enabled assistive devices designed for Children with Special Needs (CwSN).

Secretary, DoSEL, Sanjay Kumar; NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani; Special Olympics Bharat Chairperson Dr. Mallika Nadda; and senior officials from national institutions and stakeholder organisations were present.

Inclusive education a collective national resolve: Pradhan

Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Pradhan said inclusive education is not limited to a single scheme but represents a shared national resolve to ensure dignity, equal opportunity, and self-reliance for every child. He recalled the Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and said a Viksit Bharat can only be built through education that is equitable, sensitive, and inclusive.

He pointed out that the expansion of recognised disability categories from six to twenty-one reflects the country’s evolving and inclusive outlook.

Early identification and shared responsibility emphasised

The Union Minister underlined the importance of early identification of learning challenges such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. He stressed that inclusive education is not the responsibility of schools or families alone, but a collective societal responsibility rooted in dignity, participation, and equal opportunity.

Innovation by Indian start-ups praised

During a walkthrough of the exhibition, Pradhan appreciated Indian start-ups for developing innovative, world-class assistive solutions to address the diverse learning needs of Children with Special Needs and Persons with Disabilities. He said ensuring accessibility, dignity, and opportunity for the Divyang population requires enabling laws, inclusive infrastructure, progressive policies, and sustained innovation.

NEP 2020 vision highlighted

Speaking on the occasion, DoSEL Secretary Sanjay Kumar said the National Education Policy 2020 envisages an inclusive education system with the goal of achieving 100 per cent gross enrolment at the secondary level by 2030. He noted that inclusion goes beyond access and must ensure meaningful learning outcomes, safety, social development, and timely intervention for learning disabilities, particularly in the foundational years.

He added that empathy and sensitivity towards diverse needs must be nurtured among students and teachers alike.

Platform for Policy, Practice and Innovation

The summit aims to strengthen inclusive education policies and practices in line with NEP 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It brings together policymakers, States and Union Territories, education boards, experts, civil society organisations, start-ups, and industry partners to share best practices and chart future pathways.

Focus on lifelong inclusion

Setting the context, Economic Advisor to DoSEL, A Srija, said the summit addresses the entire continuum of inclusive education—from early identification and learning to participation, skill development, and livelihood opportunities—underscoring the goal of building an education system that truly works for every child.