India Expands Early Screening and Inclusive Education Support for Children with Dyslexia
SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: Ministry of Education | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The government highlighted its expanding initiatives for early identification and inclusive support for children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs), particularly Dyslexia, at the national “Walk for Dyslexia 2025” event in New Delhi under the #GoRedforDyslexia campaign. The event was co-organised by Changeinkk Foundation, UNESCO MGIEP, Orkids Foundation, and Soch Foundation, with 300+ participants and symbolic red illumination of Rashtrapati Bhawan, Secretariat buildings and landmarks across India.
PRASHAST 2.0, a mobile-based screening tool developed by NCERT, is now being used to help schools and special educators detect Dyslexia and other SLDs early. Screening is being strengthened through block-level camps, and a teacher-capacity upgrade has been integrated into the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP).
Under Samagra Shiksha, children with SLDs receive customised learning support, assistive technologies (including text-to-speech tools), teaching-learning materials, accommodations, and therapeutic support. UDISE+ 2024-25 data shows 12.15% of all Children with Special Needs (CwSN) enrolled in schools have reported SLDs — though civil-society surveys indicate the actual prevalence is likely higher, given under-diagnosis and children outside formal schooling.
India’s widening policy base reflects reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advances inclusive education, equity, and early intervention — ensuring Dyslexia is treated not as a limitation but as a different pathway of learning with unique strengths.
These measures build a more inclusive school system, strengthen teacher readiness, and reduce silent exclusion of children with learning differences — moving India toward true equity in educational opportunity.
What are Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs)? → SLDs are neurological differences that affect how the brain processes reading, writing, numbers, or related skills — even when the child has normal intelligence and proper schooling. They can impact reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math skills (dyscalculia), or a mix of these. Children with SLDs learn differently, not less — and with early support, they can thrive academically.
What is Dyslexia? → Dyslexia is the most common SLD, affecting how a person recognises and works with language, especially reading accuracy, fluency, and spelling. It has nothing to do with intelligence — the brain simply processes written words differently. With early identification, assistive tools, and inclusive teaching, children with dyslexia learn successfully and often excel in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What systems are needed to ensure timely certification, transition support and seamless accommodations for SLD learners throughout their schooling journey — including in examinations and higher education?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2182683