Centre Prioritises Early Detection of Learning Disabilities Through PRASHAST App: Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi, July 2026 : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said the Centre is giving high priority to the early identification of children with learning disabilities through the PRASHAST app, a digital screening tool developed by the Ministry of Education to promote inclusive education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Speaking during a meeting with BJP Members of Parliament from Odisha held during the adjournment of Parliament, Pradhan said the discussions focused on the state’s developmental priorities, with particular emphasis on improving educational support for children facing learning challenges.

The Minister stressed that the government’s objective is to identify children experiencing learning difficulties at an early stage so that timely intervention can help improve their academic performance and ensure they remain part of the mainstream education system.

“Our primary goal is to identify children struggling in the initial stages, provide them with appropriate learning support, and improve their educational outcomes,” Pradhan said.

The PRASHAST (Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool) app has been developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The digital platform enables schools to screen students for 21 disability conditions recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Under the system, teachers carry out the initial screening, after which trained special educators verify and categorise identified cases for appropriate intervention and support. The tool is designed to prevent the mislabelling of children while ensuring that eligible students receive disability certification, educational concessions and examination accommodations through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal.

Pradhan said BJP MPs from Odisha pledged to launch awareness campaigns across their constituencies to encourage schools to adopt the PRASHAST app and strengthen efforts towards inclusive education.

He added that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the Right to Education Act, the National Education Policy 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring equitable and quality education for all.

Education experts have long advocated early detection of learning disabilities, noting that timely intervention significantly improves learning outcomes, enhances classroom participation and reduces school dropout rates. The PRASHAST initiative is expected to strengthen India’s inclusive education framework by enabling schools to identify and support children with different learning needs at an early stage.

Team Maverick.