INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN INDIA: STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MARGINALISED AND DIFFERENTLY-ABLED LEARNERS UNDER NEP 2020 AND NCF-SE 2023

Abstract

Inclusive education is a vital aspect of India’s educational reform, focusing on marginalised and differently-abled learners. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions making education accessible to all, regardless of background or ability, with an emphasis on universal access, early disability identification, and assistive technologies. Complementing this, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 provides a structured approach for integrating inclusive practices in Indian schools, advocating for curricular flexibility, inclusive teaching methods, and comprehensive teacher training. This chapter examines how NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 align to foster an inclusive educational environment, catering to the diverse needs of students, especially those from marginalised communities and with disabilities. It also explores key challenges, such as infrastructural limitations, inadequate teacher preparedness, and societal biases, that impede the realisation of inclusive education. Finally, the chapter proposes strategies to overcome these barriers, emphasising the role of technology, life skill education, and holistic and contextualised curriculum design to ensure equitable access to quality education for all learners.