The Odisha government has announced a new initiative to provide sign language training to 4,000 deaf students and 800 teachers across 55 special schools in the state. The agreement for this training program was signed with the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD-D) on Tuesday.

The pact, finalized by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, aims to enhance sign language skills and promote inclusivity. The agreement was signed in the presence of SSEPD Minister Nityananda Gond.

In addition to training students and teachers, the initiative will focus on developing a cadre of 100 proficient sign language interpreters to support effective communication for the hearing impaired. This effort is expected to significantly improve accessibility and communication for deaf individuals across Odisha, contributing to their overall empowerment and inclusion in society.