New Delhi, Jan 21: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day Inclusive Education Summit 2026 in New Delhi, organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education.

समावेशी शिक्षा के लिए स्पष्ट दिशा तय करने के लिए आज @EduMinOfIndia द्वारा आयोजित तीन दिवसीय Inclusive Education Summit का शुभारंभ किया। समावेशी शिक्षा किसी एक योजना तक सीमित नहीं होकर, हर बच्चे को सम्मान, समान अवसर और आत्मनिर्भर भविष्य देने का राष्ट्रीय संकल्प है। माननीय… pic.twitter.com/UiELdIzo4c

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 21, 2026

Commitment to Inclusive Education

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan emphasised that inclusive education is not limited to a single scheme but represents a collective resolve to ensure dignity, equal opportunity, and a self-reliant future for every child. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, underlining that the foundation of a Viksit Bharat rests on education that is equitable, sensitive, and inclusive.

Highlighting the expansion of disability categories from six to twenty-one, Pradhan said this reflects India’s inclusive approach. He stressed the importance of early identification of learning challenges such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, noting that inclusive education is the shared responsibility of schools, families, and society at large.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Emphasizes Curriculum Reform, Teacher Training In Odisha Under NEP 2020

Technology and Innovation

The Minister also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing assistive devices and smart technologies designed for CwSN and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). He praised Indian start-ups for developing innovative solutions that make education more accessible and inclusive.

Pradhan emphasised that ensuring dignity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for the Divyang population requires collective responsibility. He called for sustained efforts through enabling laws, accessible infrastructure, inclusive policies, and continuous innovation to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Minister reaffirmed that inclusive and equitable education forms the cornerstone of a Viksit Bharat, guaranteeing every child the chance to flourish, irrespective of their abilities.

Policy Alignment

The summit, held from January 21 to 23, aims to reinforce India’s national commitment to inclusive and equitable education, particularly for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), officials said adding that the summit is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Participation

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL; Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT; and Mallika Nadda, Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.