An MoU signed to build India’s First Integrated Support Model for Hearing Impairment

Current Context: On 12 March 2026 in New Delhi, an MoU was signed to build India’s first Integrated Life‑Cycle Support Model for persons with hearing impairment.

• Aim: To provide end‑to‑end support — from early detection and treatment to education, skill development, employment, and social inclusion.
• Lead Agency: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
• Partners: The Coalition of the Willing including Gopala Krishnan Foundation for the Deaf, Blee Tech Innovations, Training & Educational Centre for Hearing Impaired, and Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre.
• Officials Present: Secretary V. Vidhyavathi and Additional Secretary Manmeet Kaur Nanda attended the signing ceremony.
• Highlights: The model ensures accessibility, rehabilitation, and empowerment, aligning with India’s disability rights agenda.
• Significance: It marks a landmark step in inclusive healthcare and social equity for the hearing‑impaired community.

Question:

Q.1 Which department is the lead agency for implementing the Integrated Life-Cycle Support Model for persons with hearing impairment?
a) Department of Health Research
b) Department of Social Justice
c) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD)
d) Department of School Education

Answer: c) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is the lead agency responsible for implementing the initiative.