Maharashtra govt to set up high schools, colleges for hearing-impaired

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government today decided to establish high schools and colleges for the hearing-impaired students in the state. The decision was taken at a meeting called by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to look into the issues of the hearing-impaired with their state-level association representatives at Mantralaya here.

"The CM asked the Social Justice Department officials to prepare a plan in one month for setting up of high schools and colleges for hearing-impaired students," a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. On the occasion, Fadnavis said his government will make all efforts to teach Indian sign language in schools.

"We will set up learning centre and Maharashtra will be the first state to do so," the CM said. Various issues pertaining to inclusive education, additional classrooms, dedicated teachers, proper use of resources were discussed during the meeting. Besides, it was also decided that Industrial Training Institute (ITI) courses with facility of interpreter at all divisional headquarters will be considered to enhance technical knowledge and providing employment.

Fadnavis agreed to conduct BERA test (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) to identify the genuine beneficiaries and take various benefits to the needy.