Partnership for Educational Equity
NIEPID JVF Pact for Inclusive Curriculum Implementation: The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) has signed an MoU with Jai Vakeel Foundation (JVF) to standardize education for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (CwID). This agreement was formalized on 18 July 2025 in Mumbai, marking a significant step under the broader Disha Abhiyan initiative.
This partnership was witnessed by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It aims to address the long-standing gap in structured education for CwID through a uniform, scalable curriculum.
Addressing Educational Gaps
India has lacked a centralized model for educating intellectually disabled children. As a result, educational delivery has been inconsistent across states. The NIEPID–JVF model seeks to overcome this challenge by introducing a nationally accepted curriculum focused on skill-building and inclusivity.
Static GK Tip: NIEPID is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and has been pivotal in promoting rights of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Key Features of the Curriculum
The DISHA Curriculum, developed by JVF and certified by NIEPID, uses innovative strategies to improve learning outcomes. The curriculum includes:
- NIEPID DISHA Assessment Checklist to design Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Use of multisensory methods such as VAKT (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Tactile).
- Application of the Interest–Teach–Apply approach for learner engagement.
- A digital portal for tracking progress and providing online access to resources.
- Printed learning materials under the DALM (Development of Aids and Learning Material) Scheme, now expanded to cover CwID.
Teacher Training and Accessibility
The MoU also focuses on training educators and school leaders, offering structured modules in regional languages. The rollout will cover:
- CDEIC centres (Composite Regional Centres)
- DDRS programmes (Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme)
- Recognized voluntary special schools
Static GK fact: The DALM Scheme is a central scheme that previously catered to physical disabilities and now includes intellectual disabilities for the first time.
Measurable Success in Maharashtra
The pilot phase in Maharashtra has already impacted over 18,000 students, 2,600+ educators, and 453 schools. The national rollout is expected to provide free and reusable educational material in English, Hindi, Marathi, and other regional languages.
Wider Significance
This structured approach aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It also advances the Viksit Bharat vision of inclusive development by ensuring no child is left behind, regardless of ability.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NIEPID JVF Pact for Inclusive Curriculum Implementation:
| Topic | Detail |
| MoU Date and Place | 18 July 2025, Mumbai |
| Key Organisations | NIEPID and Jai Vakeel Foundation |
| Key Curriculum | NIEPID DISHA Curriculum |
| Supported Scheme | DALM Scheme |
| Digital Tools | Assessment tracker and learning portal |
| Inclusive Strategy | VAKT & Interest–Teach–Apply method |
| Government Body | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) |
| Pilot State | Maharashtra |
| Students Benefited in Pilot | Over 18,000 |
| SDGs Linked | SDG 4 and SDG 10 |
