Maharashtra Launches ‘Project Disha ‘for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Why in news ?

Maharashtra has taken a significant step to promote inclusive education in India and protect the rights of students with intellectual disabilities.

• Through the ‘Disha Campaign,’ the state has initiated providing equal, quality, and research-based education to students with intellectual disabilities across 453 special schools.
• It has become the first state in the country to implement a standardized curriculum for intellectually disabled students.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described it as an important step towards building an inclusive and self-reliant society in line with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.

Features and Background of the ‘Project Disha’

• The ‘Project Disha’ has been developed by the Jai Vakil Foundation and approved by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID).
• This initiative ensures a uniform, research-supported, and reliable learning experience for students with intellectual disabilities.
• Jai Vakil Foundation, established in 1944, has 80 years of experience in the field of special education.
• The campaign is based on global best practices in special education, teaching methods customized to various intellectual abilities, and life skills and vocational training modules.
• NIEPID certification ensures the quality and reliability of the program.

Importance under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Vision

• CM Fadnavis stated that the ‘Project Disha’ is the state’s committed effort towards inclusive development and self-reliance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap.
• This initiative will pave the way for integrating students with intellectual disabilities into the mainstream of society, improving their education, and making them employable.

Impact and Future Goals

Maharashtra aims to achieve the following key objectives under this campaign:

• Eliminate disparities in teaching quality across all special schools.
• Improve educational outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities.
• Equip students with social, functional, and vocational skills so they can become self-reliant.
• Promote inclusion and awareness in society to foster a positive attitude towards persons with disabilities.
• The ‘Project Disha’ will not only improve the lives of intellectually disabled students but also make society more sensitive and inclusive overall.
• Maharashtra’s initiative will serve as an inspiration for other states in the country.