The PRASHAST App, developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), is transforming inclusive education in India by enabling early screening of 21 disabilities as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Launched under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool empowers schools to identify children with special needs (CwSN), ensuring timely interventions and support. Available through the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) at ciet.ncert.gov.in, the app aligns with the Samagra Shiksha scheme to promote equitable learning. This article explores the app’s features, implementation, benefits, and its role in advancing inclusive education, presented in a clear, engaging format with key points for easy reading.
What Is the PRASHAST App?
The PRASHAST App (Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool) is a mobile application and booklet designed to screen 21 disability conditions, including benchmark disabilities like blindness, autism, and specific learning disabilities, in school settings. Developed by CIET, NCERT, it addresses the lack of a uniform disability screening checklist and supports the NEP 2020 vision of equitable and inclusive education.
Key Points:
- Purpose: Identifies visible and non-visible disabilities for early intervention.
- Coverage: Screens 21 disabilities under the RPwD Act, 2016, from primary to Class 12.
- Platform: Available on Google Play Store; iOS compatibility in progress.
- Users: Over 4.81 lakh registered users, including teachers and educators.
- Report Generation: Creates school-level reports for certification under Samagra Shiksha.
Why Early Disability Screening Matters
Early identification of disabilities is critical to improving academic, social, and emotional outcomes for CwSN. The PRASHAST App ensures teachers can observe and flag potential disabilities discreetly, avoiding stigma and enabling individualized education plans (IEPs). This aligns with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and Sustainable Development Goal 4 for inclusive education.
Key Points:
- Prevents Misdiagnosis: Standardized checklist reduces unscientific labeling.
- Boosts Confidence: Early interventions enhance self-esteem and participation.
- Mental Health: Addresses higher anxiety and depression rates in students with unaddressed disabilities.
- Policy Alignment: Supports NEP 2020’s focus on equity and inclusion.
- Parental Role: Encourages parents to advocate for resources and support.
How the PRASHAST App Works
The PRASHAST App follows a structured, two-part screening process to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. Teachers and special educators collaborate to observe students and escalate cases for further support, maintaining sensitivity to avoid stigma.
Screening Process:
- Registration: School heads register using the school’s UDISE code; teachers use personal email IDs for verification.
- Part 1 Screening: Class teachers observe students for 2+ weeks in various contexts (academic, social, behavioral) using a 63-question checklist, marking abnormalities or selecting “None of the Above.”
- Part 2 Review: Special educators confirm Part 1 findings, categorize needs, and consult principals and parents for consent.
- Referral: Flagged students are referred for Unique Disability Identity (UDID) certification or government resource centers.
- Data Sharing: Reports are shared with district coordinators for further action.
Key Points:
- Confidentiality: Observations are shared only with parents and authorized personnel.
- Teacher Role: Teachers observe, not diagnose; special educators handle assessments.
- Parental Consent: Required for additional screenings or learning plans.
- Timeframe: Observations occur within a specified period for accuracy.
- Resources: App includes webinars, articles, and evidence-based strategies.
Features and Benefits
The PRASHAST App is a user-friendly tool that streamlines disability screening and enhances inclusive education. Its benefits extend to students, teachers, and schools, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Key Points:
- Comprehensive Checklist: Covers all 21 disabilities, including specific learning disabilities and autism.
- Targeted Support: Identifies specific needs (e.g., reading, math) for tailored IEPs.
- Early Intervention: Enables timely accommodations, improving outcomes.
- Educator Resources: Offers training materials and best practices for supporting CwSN.
- Inclusive Environment: Promotes equitable learning for all students.
Implementation in Schools
The PRASHAST App has been rolled out across states, with Delhi’s Directorate of Education leading school-level screenings. Teachers are trained to use the app sensitively, ensuring no labeling or stigma occurs. For example, Shivani, a class teacher at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, noted that the process involves simple observations passed to special educators, reducing teacher workload.
Key Points:
- Training: Teachers are sensitized to identify visible and non-visible disabilities.
- School Involvement: Principals verify teacher registrations and approve screenings.
- State Adoption: Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have mandated app use for student surveys.
- Special Educators: Handle second-level assessments and parent counseling.
- UDISE Integration: Ensures accurate school and student data.
Challenges and Improvements Needed
Despite its potential, the PRASHAST App faces technical and operational challenges. User feedback highlights areas for enhancement to improve functionality and accessibility.
Key Points:
- Technical Issues: Bugs, login/OTP problems, and lack of iOS compatibility.
- Editing Limitations: No option to edit submissions for unintentional errors.
- Registration: Mobile number-based registration needed for ease.
- Data Management: Lack of section-wise data and student search functionality.
- Ongoing Upgrades: NCERT is addressing issues via prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in.
Alignment with Policy and Impact
The PRASHAST App is a cornerstone of NEP 2020’s commitment to inclusive education, reinforcing the RPwD Act, 2016, and RTE Act, 2009. It supports Samagra Shiksha’s provisions for CwSN, such as assessment camps, therapeutic services, and stipends for girls with disabilities. By facilitating UDID certification, it ensures access to government resources and accommodations.
Key Points:
- Policy Synergy: Aligns with NEP 2020, RTE, and SDG 4 for equitable education.
- Certification: Streamlines access to aids, appliances, and learning materials.
- CBSE Reforms: Complements exam concessions like scribe facilities and flexible subjects.
- Social Impact: Reduces stigma and promotes neurodiversity awareness.
- Scalability: Potential to transform inclusive education nationwide.
Why PRASHAST Matters
The PRASHAST App is a game-changer for inclusive education in India, addressing the gap in early disability identification. By empowering teachers and special educators, it ensures CwSN receive timely support, fostering their academic and social success. Despite technical hurdles, its alignment with NEP 2020 and Samagra Shiksha positions it as a vital tool for creating equitable classrooms. For more details and to download the app, visit ciet.ncert.gov.in. Join the movement to make education accessible for all!
