Successful Implementation of ‘Disha Abhiyan’ Conceptualized by CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Leads the Nation, Sets a New Example in Education for Special Children

Mumbai, Aug 2025 : ‘Disha Abhiyan,’ a program providing a unified and quality education model for students with intellectual disabilities, has been successfully implemented in Maharashtra. Conceptualized by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, this visionary initiative has brought about unprecedented changes in the education of students with intellectual disabilities. Its highly effective execution in Maharashtra has set a benchmark for the entire country.

The innovative curriculum, developed by the Jai Vakeel Foundation and approved by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), has been implemented in 453 special schools across the state, CM Fadnavis informed.

The CM stated that Maharashtra is the first state in the country to prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities, and also the first to create an independent department for them. With ‘Disha Abhiyan,’ quality education ensuring equal opportunities for special students has become possible. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an inclusive and self-reliant society under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ mission.

The Jai Vakeel Foundation, established in 1944, developed this research-based and universally applicable curriculum drawing on 80 years of experience. The curriculum is certified by NIEPID.

In 2019, the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance signed an MoU with the Jai Vakeel Foundation, enabling the implementation of this curriculum in all government-aided and unaided special ID schools in Maharashtra. Over six years, ‘Disha Abhiyan’ has been implemented in 453 schools, 2,673 special educators have been trained, and 18,431 students have directly benefited.

The initiative has reached all 36 districts of Maharashtra, making it the first and only state in the country to have a statewide curriculum for children with intellectual disabilities. The MoU has now been extended until 2028.

CM Fadnavis noted that over the past six years, ‘Disha Abhiyan’ has maintained continuity—from online learning during the COVID-19 period to in-person classroom implementation. In 2023–24, schools under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were included, and in 2024, the concept of ‘Partner Schools’ was introduced. The initiative has gained national recognition, with NIEPID, SNDT, BMC, and various NGOs partnering in the effort. Support from the H. T. Parekh Foundation and Bajaj Finserv CSR has further enhanced its impact, making Maharashtra’s model a guiding example for other states.