MARCH 3: In a significant step towards enhancing inclusive education in Jammu and Kashmir, the JKSCERT Divisional Office Jammu, in collaboration with DIET Jammu, inaugurated a five-day training programme on inclusive education under the NISHTHA framework. The training, aimed at in-service teachers, masters, and lecturers from Jammu district (Phase II), is being held from March 2 to March 6, 2025, at the Government Polytechnic College, Jammu. Its objective is to equip educators with the knowledge, innovative strategies, and best practices necessary to foster an inclusive learning environment in schools.
The programme was inaugurated with a grand ceremony attended by Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Education, as the chief guest. In his address, Shantmanu highlighted the transformative role of inclusive education in ensuring that every child, regardless of background or abilities, receives equal opportunities to learn. He emphasized that teachers are multi-taskers who must continuously enhance their skills, and that such training programmes are crucial for their professional development and knowledge upliftment.
During the ceremony, the ACS also released the Design of Training (DoT), marking an important milestone in the initiative.
Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT Jammu division, presented a detailed report on 14 similar trainings recently conducted in collaboration with all DIETs across the Jammu division. Dr. Romesh Kumar, HOD, DIET Jammu, stressed the significance of inclusive education in creating an equitable learning environment for all students. Dr. Sanjeevani Sharma, Programme Coordinator, presented the keynote address, and Dr. Madhu Singh, Principal, MC Khalsa College of Education, discussed strategies to effectively address the special needs of students.
With 272 educators participating, the training programme featured insightful sessions led by distinguished resource persons. One of the key sessions was by Dr. Rohnika Sharma, Director of the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Skill Training, Jammu, who delivered a session on “Education for Children with Special Needs (CWSN).” Her presentation provided an in-depth look at inclusive teaching methodologies, policies, and assistive strategies for ensuring equal access to education for all children.
The training programme, which aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to empower educators with specialized skills to create barrier-free learning spaces. The proceedings were conducted by Shamim Nazki, and the inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Anjali Gupta, Principal of DIET Jammu.
