12 National Policies for Inclusive Education: Understanding the Key Policies

Do you know in order to support inclusive education government has introduced various policies and practices since 1974

National policies in India focus on making education more equitable and transparent to every individual, irrespective of any challenges or hindrances. These policies make sure that education is accessible to students with disabilities or the disadvantaged group. 

The government has introduced various schemes and policies in order to promote inclusive education, where every student can learn in a collaborative learning environment. 

The first national policy for disabled children was introduced in 1974, known as the Integrated Education for Disabled Children’s scheme; earlier, it was known as the Integrated Education for Handicapped Children (IEDC) Program. 

Earlier Kothari Commission (1966) also focused on promoting integrated education for disabled children. However, it was very limited and didn’t see much success. 

The main aim of these policies was to make education more accessible by providing financial support to students with disabilities. This includes providing them with transportation, uniforms, special equipment and so on. 

Later on, various educational reforms were made, which also include various schemes and policies, which emphasise Integrated education and making inclusive classrooms for every student irrespective of any physical challenges. 

The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the current education policy that focuses on students with disabilities and making education more impactful.

12 Key National Policies for Inclusive Education in India 

Various policies were introduced by the government of India in order to provide support and quality education to students with disabilities. The first policy introduced was the Integrated Education for Handicapped Children (IEDC) Program in 1974; later on, various reforms, policies and schemes were introduced for children with disabilities. 

The main aim of policies is to make education more convenient and accessible for students who are physically challenged or from disadvantaged groups. 

An inclusive learning environment ensures that every children’s can still be together and share their thoughts, ideas and communicate with each other, which develops a sense of belongingness among them. This also fosters peer-to-peer learning and enhances communication skills among students.

1. Integrated Education for Disabled Children Scheme (1974)

Integrated Education for Disabled Children Scheme (1974) is a prominent scheme introduced by the government of India to provide education to children with disabilities. Earlier, the scheme was known as Integrated Education for Handicapped Children (IEDC). 

Later on, the IEDC program was updated in 1992 to allow children with physical and mental disabilities to be educated in the regular school system. 

In essence, this project reflects the government’s dedication to helping disabled children grow into the most integrated members of the entire educational system. 

Under this scheme, students were provided assistance regarding their education, such as the cost of books, incentives, uniform fees, transportation, allowance, etc.

2. National Policy on Education (1986)

The National Policy on Education (1986) was another government scheme introduced to change the education system. The main aim of NPE 1986 is to remove the disparities and inequalities in education and make education more accessible. 

The NPE 1986 focuses on making an inclusive learning environment that ensures that every child should receive equal education in a structured environment, irrespective of any challenges or barriers. 

One of the policy’s main tenets was the inclusion of individuals with mental and physical disabilities as equal partners in society. 

This policy focuses on providing facilities and assistance to students with disabilities it including physical devices, resources, educational supplies and other services. 

3, Project Integrated Education for the Disabled (1987)

Project Integrated Education for the Disabled (PIED) is a successful government scheme introduced in the year 1987 by the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) in compliance with UNICEF. 

The scheme ensures that every student receives equal and transparent education irrespective of any physical challenges. This policy emphasises integrating education into mainstream education and promotes collaboration skills. 

This policy is responsible for the educational needs of students and makes sure that every student receives educational material free of cost. 

This policy was launched in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu by the end of 1987. By the end of 1988, it was extended to the states of Haryana and Mizoram.

4. Baharul Islam Committee (1987)

The Baharul Islam Committee was introduced in the year 1987 through a draft legislation. The committee focuses on providing equal rights and opportunities to students with disabilities. 

This committee encourages children with disabilities to participate in the teaching and learning method and acquire mainstream education without any hindrances. 

The committee aimed to promote inclusive education and ensure that all children, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, have the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. 

The committee also focuses on creating accessible learning, training teachers, promoting inclusive teaching methods and designing curriculum that caters to the needs of diverse learners.

5. Rehabilitation Council of India Act (1992)

Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is a government body established as a registered society in the year 1986, later on it became a statutory body under the RTI Act 1992. 

RCI focuses on making education inclusive and providing opportunities to students with physical challenges. The primary objective of RCI is to regulate and standardise training programs and services related to rehabilitation for disabled individuals or students. 

RCI makes education equitable and more effective for people who have disabilities or need personal assistance. RCI makes sure that every student receives quality education irrespective of any challenges through providing proper support and services to students and working professionals.

6. National Trust Act (1999)

The National Trust Act is an Indian legal law that aims to provide constitutional rights to individuals with disabilities. 

National Trust Act is a statutory body launched in the year 1999 which is also known as the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act. 

This Act promotes inclusive education by ensuring that students with disabilities can receive an education in regular schools. Apart from defining several terms related to disabilities, the Act mandates the provision of fundamental support services such as healthcare, education and vocational training. 

This act also focuses on the establishment of special schools and providing them with vocational education. This enhances employment opportunities as well as helps in promoting lifelong learning.

7. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2018)

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which is also known as National Education Mission launched in the year 2018. This scheme focuses on providing equitable and universal access to education to children with disabilities, irrespective of any biases. 

To ensure a seamless transition from pre-nursery to Class 12, it places a strong emphasis on providing a comprehensive education. 

One of its primary objectives is to attain equitable learning outcomes in order to reduce the disparities in educational access and quality. This focuses on promoting holistic education and creates a positive learning environment for every children’s.

8. National Policy for People with Disabilities (2006)

The National Policy for People with Disabilities was launched in 2006, which aims to provide equal and flexible education to students with disabilities. 

The main aim of this policy is to create an environment that allows individuals with disabilities to live lives of independence and dignity in order to guarantee equal opportunities in all spheres of life and to encourage full participation in society. 

Under this scheme, children with mental and physical challenges were provided educational opportunities, as well as providing them with assistance and support. This policy emphasises providing free education, transportation, allowance, resources, books, etc., were given to physically challenged children. 

9. Right to Education Act 2009 

The Right to Education Act (RTE) is a legal Act introduced in the year 2009 that emphasises providing free and compulsory education to students between the age group of 6 to 14. 

This Act focuses on inclusive education and provides them with the necessary support and resources. This Act also sets up special education schools and supports children with special needs. 

RTE focuses on special education and integrating them into mainstream schools. RTE breaks the barriers of discrimination and provides children with equal and transparent education. 

Through RTE, enrollment of children with special needs has increased to elementary education. According to the RTE Act, children with disabilities should be educated in regular schools with other students, which develops a sense of belongingness and cooperation. 

10. Inclusion in Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities (IECYD)

Inclusion in Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities (IECYD) is a major intervention of the government and a part of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. This scheme was first introduced in 1974 and went through various revisions till 2010. 

The main aim of IECYD is to provide all students with disabilities with the opportunity to learn in a general education classroom with the necessary support and accommodations. 

IECHYD promotes inclusive education, which enhances academic outcomes for students with disabilities. This program makes sure that every school should adopt integration programs and normalises an inclusive learning environment in the classroom. 

IECHYD helps in increasing student enrollment and reducing dropouts among disabled children, especially in rural areas. 

11. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 is a legislation in India that preserves and upholds the rights of people with disabilities. This is a popular Act for disabled persons that provides them with legal protection and opportunities. 

Under this Act, 21 types of disabilities are recognised as visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disorders, mental disorders and so on. The Act contains provisions to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination and abuse. 

Any form of discrimination against individuals with disabilities is prohibited under this Act. This Act also sets out special education and rehabilitation services across educational institutions. 

This act also makes sure that every student receives equal learning opportunities, as well as every school should create an inclusive learning environment. 

12. National Education Policy 2020

The National Education Policy, or the new National Education Policy, is the latest educational policy introduced in the year 2020, replacing old educational policies.  This policy makes education more equitable and systematic. 

This policy is replacing the old 10+2 system with the 5+3+2+2 system. By establishing an inclusive and equitable educational system that recognises the diversity of student needs, this policy aims to guarantee that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive learning environment. 

The policy recognises the value of inclusive education in fostering a sense of belonging and community among all students. In order for children with disabilities to learn alongside their peers, it encourages their integration into regular classrooms. 

Final Thoughts

Since 1974, India has implemented a number of national policies and initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing inclusive education for kids and young people with disabilities. 

The National Education Policy 2020 and the Integrated Education for Disabled Children Scheme both seek to establish accessible and equitable learning environments that meet the various needs of all students. 

In order to guarantee that every child, irrespective of their skills or difficulties, has the chance to flourish in a cooperative learning environment, the government places a strong emphasis on integration support services and the removal of obstacles to education. 
Continuous efforts to improve inclusive education help create a more inclusive society by encouraging social integration and a sense of belonging among all students, in addition to academic success.

Education, Featured