Second Cycle of Capacity Building Program on Specific Learning Disability Launched under MMTTP

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted that the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the importance of recognizing learning disabilities and ensuring equitable and inclusive education for all.

The Ministry of Education has launched the second cycle of its Capacity Building Program on Specific Learning Disability (SLD) as part of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP). Building on the success of the first cycle, this initiative is aimed at empowering Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with the skills and knowledge needed to support students with specific learning disabilities.

The launch event was attended by key officials, including Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education; Shri S.K. Barnwal, Additional Secretary of Higher Education; Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli, Joint Secretary of Higher Education; Shri Devendra Kumar Sharma, Director of Higher Education; and Smt. Noopur Jhunjhunwala, Co-founder of the Changeinkk Foundation. Heads and faculty members from 45 centrally funded HEIs, such as Central Universities (CUs), IITs, IIITs, NITs, IISERs, CFTIs, SPAs, and NITTTR, participated virtually.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted that the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the importance of recognizing learning disabilities and ensuring equitable and inclusive education for all. He stressed that HEIs must be sensitized to the needs of students with specific learning disabilities and announced that regular capacity-building programs will be conducted under the Malaviya Mission to address this critical issue.

The first round of the Capacity Building Program on SLD, held from January to July 2024 in partnership with the Changeinkk Foundation, saw participation from 27 HEIs, including Central Universities, IITs, IIITs, IIMs, IISERs, SPAs, and NITs. The program included various sessions such as Orientation, Sensitization, Masterclasses, In-Person Zone-wise Workshops, and Monitoring of Implementation. Over 400 faculty members benefited from this initiative.

The second cycle, running from August to December 2024, will involve a new set of HEIs and will include both online and in-person sessions. The program will focus on strategies for identifying and assessing students with SLD and addressing their needs. It aims to sensitize the heads of institutions, along with key department heads and their nominees, through interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and practical sessions designed to create inclusive learning environments.

Shri S.K. Barnwal emphasized the critical need for inclusive education and urged HEIs to actively engage in addressing the challenges faced by students with specific learning disabilities. He described the program as a significant step toward equipping educators with the expertise necessary to meet the diverse needs of their students.