- Why in news
- On 8 October 2026, the Department of School Education & Literacy ran a nationwide screening of a 30-minute inclusive education module through the PRASHAST portal. Over 60,000 schools took part and more than 72 lakh teachers have been sensitised.
- What it is
- PRASHAST is a school-based digital tool to identify children with probable disability conditions covered under the RPwD Act, 2016. Teachers screen students using a two-part checklist of observable indicators. Special educators then validate cases and facilitate referrals for medical assessment.
- Nature of tool
- PRASHAST is a school-based digital screening tool for children with probable disabilities under the RPwD Act, 2016.
- Who does what
- Teachers screen using a two-part checklist; special educators validate cases and facilitate referrals for medical assessment.
- Reach
- More than 72 lakh teachers have been sensitised through the module.
- Implementing body
- The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, runs it, in line with NEP 2020 and the RPwD Act.
Don’t confuse with Screening vs diagnosis: PRASHAST flags probable disability from observable indicators. It is not a medical diagnosis; medical assessment follows referral.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Early identification in schools helps children with disabilities get timely support and supports the RPwD Act and NEP 2020 goals.
- The whole-school approach brings in non-teaching staff, making school spaces more accessible.
Problems
- Teacher screening based on observable signs may miss cases or mislabel children, so validation by special educators is key.
- Shortage of trained special educators and medical assessment facilities can delay referrals.
Way forward
- Train and recruit more special educators and link screening to timely medical assessment and support services.
- Protect children's data and avoid stigma while screening.
Put in your answer
Whole-school approach: Sensitising teachers and non-teaching staff shows inclusion is a shared responsibility; useful as an example in answers on inclusive education.
- 2022Mains GS2 · Q7Whether RPwD Act 2016 is only a legal document without sensitisation of functionaries and citizens
- 2017Mains GS2 · Q7Whether RPwD Act 2016 ensures effective empowerment and inclusion of intended beneficiaries
- 2026Mains GS1 · Q9How to understand disability and why India needs an inclusive policy framework
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Digital screening tool tied to the RPwD Act, 2016. A lasting topic, but this release gives only participation figures, so a question is unlikely.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.