In a major step towards strengthening inclusive education in India, the government is set to launch Prashast 2.0, an upgraded version of the screening app designed to identify 21 types of disabilities among children.
The announcement was made by Ira Singhal, Deputy Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, during a User Acceptance Testing (UAT) programme.
What is Prashast 2.0?
Prashast 2.0 is a digital tool aimed at:
- Early screening and identification of disabilities
- Simplifying the certification process
- Supporting Children With Special Needs (CWSN)
- Promoting their integration into mainstream education
The app is expected to be officially launched in May 2026.
Key Features of Prashast 2.0
1. Identification of 21 Disabilities
The app can screen a wide range of disabilities, making the process more comprehensive and efficient.
2. Integrated Ecosystem
Automatically connects:
- School heads
- Teachers
- Special educators
- Students
3. School-Level Screening
- Teachers and special educators can conduct initial assessments
- Helps in early detection of developmental or learning challenges
4. Linkage to Government Support
Once identified, children are connected to services under the Samagra Shiksha initiative.
Importance of Early Identification
According to Ira Singhal:
- Early screening helps in timely intervention
- Improves learning outcomes and development
- Enables better inclusion in regular classrooms
Training and Implementation
- Teachers are being trained to use the app effectively
- Focus on identifying:
- Behavioural challenges
- Social difficulties
- Academic issues
The testing phase is currently underway across multiple states.
Role of SCERT and Participation
The programme was organised by the State Council of Educational Research and Training, with participation from:
- Teachers and special educators
- Schools across:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- New Delhi
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Conclusion:
Prashast 2.0 represents a significant advancement in India’s efforts to build an inclusive and accessible education system. By leveraging technology for early identification and support, the initiative aims to ensure that no child is left behind in the learning journey.