Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika announced a Rs 3.5 crore Divyang-friendly campus for hearing-impaired students. This initiative, he said, will address long-standing gaps in accessible infrastructure for children with hearing disabilities.
The proposed project will come up in Guwahati and include modern facilities tailored to the needs of hearing-impaired students. Hazarika made the announcement while attending an awareness programme on ear health at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) auditorium.
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Features of the Divyang-friendly campus
The campus will be fully residential and designed with universal accessibility in mind. According to officials, the buildings will feature:
- Sound-proof classrooms
- Smart boards equipped with sign-language visuals
- Hostels and dining areas adapted for students with hearing disabilities
- Trained faculty with knowledge of Indian Sign Language (ISL)
- Ramps, wide corridors, and special signage
Minister Hazarika emphasized the need for such specialized campuses to promote independent learning. He added that the government aims to provide high-quality education without isolating students with disabilities from mainstream society.
Government’s commitment to inclusivity
The Assam government has consistently promoted inclusive policies for persons with disabilities. During the event, Hazarika recalled previous schemes under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment that offered free hearing aids and rehabilitation support. This new project, however, takes things a step further by creating a holistic learning environment.
He noted that the Divyang-friendly campus in Assam will not only serve the state’s students but may also benefit others from neighbouring Northeast states.
Collaboration with health and education departments
Officials from both the health and education departments attended the event. They stressed the importance of early intervention and special schooling for hearing-impaired children. The Education Department is expected to handle curriculum design, while the Health Department will assist in screening and therapy support.
In his speech, Hazarika urged parents and teachers to ensure early hearing tests for children. He said this often helps in identifying and correcting hearing loss during critical developmental years.
Community response and expectations
Parents of hearing-impaired children welcomed the government’s plan. They expressed hope that the new Divyang-friendly campus in Assam would create an enabling environment for their children.
One parent said, “We often have to travel to other states for quality education. If such a facility opens here, it will change lives.”
Teachers working with students with disabilities echoed this sentiment. They pointed out the lack of proper resources and said that the proposed campus could become a model institution for the region.
Campus to follow national disability standards
The campus will adhere to the guidelines laid out by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Officials stated that the project would follow strict norms related to infrastructure, curriculum, and faculty qualifications.
The state also plans to consult national experts to ensure the facility meets national and international standards. Hazarika said that transparency will guide the entire process—from construction to recruitment.
Hearing loss awareness and early care
The awareness programme at GMCH focused on the impact of untreated hearing loss. Doctors shared data indicating a rise in cases of preventable hearing damage due to infections and neglect. They recommended newborn screening and regular ENT checkups.
The government is planning mass ear screening camps, especially in rural Assam. Hazarika said these initiatives will run in parallel with the Divyang-friendly campus project. Together, they will form a comprehensive approach to ear health and education.
Timelines and project execution
While no exact date was announced, the construction of the Divyang-friendly campus in Assam is expected to begin later this year. The government has already identified land for the project.
The project will receive funding from both state and central schemes, with potential support from CSR initiatives. Officials assured that work would be completed on priority.
Toward a more inclusive Assam
The launch of the Rs 3.5 crore Divyang-friendly campus marks a significant milestone in Assam’s educational reforms. It reflects the state’s dedication to building a learning ecosystem where all children, regardless of physical challenges, can thrive.
As the project progresses, the government hopes to expand similar campuses to other regions, eventually forming a network of inclusive institutions across Assam.
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