In celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Nagaland Education Mission Society, Samagra Shiksha, organized a Mega Identification and Assessment Camp for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in collaboration with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima.
The event marked a significant step in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no child is left behind.
The inaugural programme, held at the Directorate of School Education, Kohima, witnessed the participation of 82 children with special needs from the five EBRC Blocks under Kohima District.
The initiative aimed to identify, assess, and facilitate support services for children with a range of disabilities to ensure appropriate educational interventions and access to entitlements.
Vikhweno Chale (NCS), Additional Secretary, School Education & SCERT, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention in enhancing educational outcomes for CwSN.
Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor, School Education & SCERT, Government of Nagaland, graced the event as the Special Guest. In his address, Dr. Yhome emphasized the Government’s commitment to equitable and quality education for all children, including those with special needs, in line with the vision of NEP 2020.
Emilo Patton, District Education Officer, Kohima, delivered the vote of thanks, and Shri Kelhikha Kenye, Deputy Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, chaired the event. Kevileno Angami, Commissioner & Secretary, School Education, along with Heads of Departments of all sister departments, also attended the programme.
The camp was organized at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), where a dedicated team comprising 11 doctors and 9 RBSK members from the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, conducted medical assessments. The children were screened for various disabilities, including visual impairment, locomotor disabilities, hearing impairment, dental and ENT issues, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As part of the services provided at the camp, on-the-spot fitting of hearing aids was carried out for children with identified hearing loss, ensuring immediate support and improved quality of life. Additionally, disability certificates were issued by the Medical Board to eligible children, enabling them to access various government schemes, aids, and educational support.
The camp was conducted as part of the broader strategy under Samagra Shiksha to strengthen the implementation of inclusive education and uphold the rights and dignity of children with disabilities. It also aimed to raise awareness among parents, teachers, and community members about the importance of early diagnosis and timely support.
Camps are planned to be conducted in all districts in a phased manner under the celebration of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam.
This initiative reflects the Government of Nagaland’s commitment to translating the principles of NEP 2020 into tangible outcomes, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups. By aligning education with health and social welfare services, the state moves one step closer to achieving inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
