To celebrate 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 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission, Department of Health and Family Welfare in Kohima, on 29th July 2025. The event marked a significant step in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no child is left behind.
The inaugural program was held at the Directorate of School Education, Kohima, and witnessed the participation of 82 children with special needs from the 5 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.
Advisor, School Education & SCERT, Government of Nagaland, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, 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. Additional Secretary, School Education & SCERT, Vikhweno Chale (NCS), delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention in enhancing educational outcomes for CwSN. District Education Officer, Kohima, Emilo Patton, delivered the vote of thanks, and Deputy Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, Kelhikha Kenye, chaired the event. Commissioner & Secretary, School Education, Kevileno Angami, and HoDs of all sister departments also attended the program.
The camp was organized at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), and a dedicated team comprising 11 doctors and 9 members of RBSK, under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, carried out the 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 conducted for children with identified hearing loss, ensuring immediate support and improvement in 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 organized as part of the broader strategy under Samagra Shiksha to strengthen the implementation of inclusive education and promote the rights and dignity of children with disabilities. It also served to create greater awareness among parents, teachers, and community members about the importance of early diagnosis and support. Camps have been 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 continued efforts to translate the principles of NEP 2020 into actionable outcomes, particularly 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.
(DIPR)
