Education Commissions and Policies (School Education)Copy
Education Commissions and Policies (School Education)
Constitutional Provisions on Education and National Ideals
| Provision | Article | Core Idea | Special Education Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right to Equality | Articles 14–18 | Equality before law, no discrimination | Equal access to education for CWSN |
| Right to Freedom | Articles 19–22 | Freedom of expression and life | Education without stigma or exclusion |
| Secularism | Articles 25–28 | No religious discrimination | Inclusive schools for all backgrounds |
| Social Justice | Articles 38 & 46 | Promotion of weaker sections | Support for children with disabilities |
Exam Memory: Equality + Liberty + Secularism + Social Justice = Foundation of Indian Educational Philosophy.
Exam Trap: Article 21A gives Free & Compulsory Education, but disability-specific support comes from RPwD Act and RTE amendments.
National Commissions and Policies
| Commission/Policy | Year | Key Focus | Special Education Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Commission (Kothari Commission) | 1964–66 | Equalization of educational opportunities | Foundation for inclusive approach |
| NPE | 1986 | Access, Equality, Quality | First policy focus on integration of CWSN |
| POA (Revised) | 1992 | Implementation of NPE | Strengthening integrated education |
| National Policy for Persons with Disabilities | 2006 | Barrier-free education | Inclusive schooling for disabled children |
| NCF | 2005 | Child-centered education | Inclusion and flexibility in curriculum |
| RTE Act | 2010 | Free & Compulsory Education 6–14 yrs | Inclusion of CWSN in neighborhood schools |
| APSCF | 2011 | State curriculum framework | Andhra-specific inclusive strategies |
| NEP | 2020 | Holistic & inclusive education | Universal access for CWSN |
| NCF for Foundational Stage | 2022 | Early childhood focus | Inclusive early learning |
| NCFSE | 2023 | School Education redesign | Flexibility, multilingual & inclusive schooling |
Exam Memory: Kothari → NPE → NCF → RTE → NEP shows evolution of inclusion in India.
Exam Trap: NCF 2005 is about pedagogy, while NEP 2020 is structural + systemic reform.
National Acts Related to Special Education
| Act | Year | Purpose | Impact on Special Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCI Act | 1992 | Regulation of Special Educator training | Mandatory RCI registration for Special Teachers |
| PWD Act | 1995 | Rights for persons with disabilities | First legal framework for inclusive support |
| NT Act | 1999 | National Trust for persons with autism, CP, ID | Supports specialized rehabilitation services |
| RTE Act | 2009/2012 | Universal education | Mandates inclusion of CWSN |
| RPwD Act | 2016 | Expanded disability rights (21 disabilities) | Strong legal base for inclusive education |
Exam Memory: RCI = Teacher regulation, RPwD = Rights protection for CWSN.
Exam Trap: RPwD Act replaced PWD Act with expanded list of disabilities.
Programmes and Schemes for Inclusive Education
| Scheme | Year | Main Objective | Special Education Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEDC | 1974 / 1983 | Education of disabled children in regular schools | Early integrated education model |
| SSA | 2000 / 2011 | Universal elementary education | IED component for inclusive education |
| RMSA | 2009 | Secondary education expansion | Inclusion of disabled students in secondary level |
| IEDSS | 2009 | Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage | Focused support at secondary level |
Exam Memory: IEDC for Integration, IEDSS for Secondary Inclusion.
Exam Trap: SSA focuses up to elementary stage (Class 8), RMSA & IEDSS onwards.
International Conventions and Global Policies
| Convention/Policy | Year | Core Idea | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salamanca Statement | 1994 | Inclusive education as a global right | Base for inclusive policy in India |
| UNCRPD | 2006 | Rights of persons with disabilities | Inspired RPwD Act 2016 |
| Millennium Development Goals | 2000–2015 | Universal primary education | Global push for inclusive schooling |
| Incheon Strategy | 2012 | “Incheon to make the right real” for PWD | Strengthened disability-inclusive education |
Exam Memory: Salamanca = Inclusive Education Foundation.
Exam Trap: Salamanca is education-specific; UNCRPD is broader disability rights.
New Trends and Strategies for Inclusive Education of CWSN
| Trend | Explanation | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Design for Learning | Flexible learning for all | Multiple means of representation & expression |
| ICT in Special Education | Digital assistive tools | Screen readers, AAC devices, e-content |
| Early Identification | Early screening and intervention | Reduces severity of developmental delays |
| Inclusive Assessment | Flexible evaluation methods | Alternative modes of testing |
| Multidisciplinary Team Approach | Teachers + Therapists + Parents | Individualized holistic support |
Exam Memory: UDL + Early Intervention + Assistive Technology = Core of Modern Inclusive Education.
Exam Trap: Inclusion is not just admission; it’s adaptation + participation + achievement.