Inclusive Education: The Challenge and Opportunity in Indian Society

Author(s): Dilip Kumar Das

Abstract:

Inclusive education aims to provide equitable access to quality education for all learners, regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic, or other conditions. In the context of Indian society-marked by diversity and inequality-implementing inclusive education is both a profound challenge and a promising opportunity. This paper explores the conceptual framework of inclusive education, its evolution in India, key challenges in policy and practice, and the opportunities it presents for transforming the educational landscape. It emphasizes the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach and recommends strategic interventions to make inclusive education a lived reality in India. Inclusive education is a opportunities for every learner, regardless of ability, background, or social status, has equal access to quality education. In the Indian context, where diversity is multifaceted caste, class, gender, language, region, and disability. This paper critically examines the evolution of inclusive education policies in India, from the Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) scheme in 1974 to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While legal frameworks like the Right to Education (2009) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) provide a strong foundation, several challenges persist in their execution. These include infrastructural inadequacies, lack of teacher preparedness, social stigma, policy-practice gaps, and insufficient funding. At the same time, India has unique opportunities to advance inclusive education through digital technologies, community participation, policy reforms, and inclusive teacher education.

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Pages: 23-25     |    3 View     |    0 Download