To mark the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Nagaland organized a Mega Identification and Assessment Camp for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in Kohima on July 29. The event, held at the Directorate of School Education, was a collaborative effort by the Nagaland Education Mission Society under Samagra Shiksha and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), under the National Health Mission.
A total of 82 children with various disabilities from five Education Block Resource Centre (EBRC) blocks in Kohima district took part in the initiative. The camp aimed to identify children with special needs, conduct medical assessments, and provide immediate support, including hearing aids and disability certificates.
Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, attended as the Special Guest and highlighted the state’s dedication to promoting inclusive and equitable education. He emphasized that the NEP 2020’s vision of inclusive learning must be rooted in real, actionable steps that empower children with special needs.
Vikhweno Chale, Additional Secretary, School Education & SCERT, delivered the keynote address and stressed the importance of early identification and intervention for better educational outcomes. The camp was chaired by Kelhikha Kenye, Deputy Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha, while Emilo Patton, DEO, offered the vote of thanks. Senior officials including Commissioner & Secretary Kevileno Angami and representatives from allied departments also attended the program.
The medical screening was conducted at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) by a team comprising 11 doctors and 9 RBSK members. Children were examined for multiple disabilities including visual, hearing, locomotor, dental, ENT, and intellectual impairments. A key highlight of the camp was the on-the-spot fitting of hearing aids and issuance of disability certificates by the Medical Board, which greatly benefited families who often struggle with access to such services.
