For years, working closely with educational materials at NCERT, I have witnessed the profound impact of textbooks on students' learning experiences. Unfortunately, the current state of NCERT’s digital textbooks is far from inclusive, especially for students with disabilities. This glaring compliance issue undermines the quality of public education in India and violates statutory obligations.

The RTE Act, 2009 guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory education, which encompasses accessible educational resources. Section 29 mandates that these standards be met, ensuring inclusivity and equality in education. Moreover, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 further emphasizes the importance of accessibility, stipulating that educational resources must be available in an accessible format to cater to students with disabilities.

However, the digital textbooks provided by NCERT, under the supervision of the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), fail to meet these statutory requirements. Many of these digital resources lack support for assistive technologies, such as screen readers, which are crucial for visually impaired students. This oversight not only denies them an equal opportunity to learn but also deprives them of their right to education.

According to a report by UNESCO, over 8 million children with disabilities in India face barriers to education due to inaccessible educational materials. International practices demonstrate that accessible educational resources significantly improve learning outcomes for students with disabilities, preparing them for a more promising future.

The significance of this issue extends beyond compliance and legal obligations. It's about social justice, equality, and the empowerment of every student, irrespective of their physical or cognitive capabilities. NCERT and CIET must take immediate action to address these accessibility barriers.

We urge NCERT and CIET to prioritize the following actions immediately:
1. Revise all digital textbooks to incorporate accessibility features compatible with assistive technologies.
2. Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of existing textbooks and resources.
3. Collaborate with experts in inclusive education to ensure best practices are adopted.

By signing this petition, you stand in solidarity with students with disabilities across India. Join us in demanding that NCERT and CIET fulfill their legal and moral obligations to make digital textbooks accessible to all. Together, let’s build a more inclusive educational system that leaves no child behind.