NISH - National Institute of Speech & Hearing, which pined to rise as a varsity is in its uncertain phase now. Both State government and Central government have been taking the institute for ride with false promises.

The NISH that started in 1997 in a humble way for the education of deaf and dumb children had risen to national fame within a short span of time.

The State-Central governments thought about elevating NISH to a university after recognising the contribution made by it in educating and rehabilitating the differently-abled. But no progress happened in this direction, despite expectations.

As usual, the Centre’s ‘undermining’ approach turned out ot be the bane of NISH. In 2015 – 16 Union budget declaration, there was announcement that NISH would be elevated as a national university. The announcement was also made that Rs 1700 crore would be granted for this.

Even the State government earmarked 50 acre land for the university and prepared a draft bill. Suddenly the project got sabotaged. The Centre decided to set up the University for the Education and rehabilitation of the differently-abled in Assam, instead of Kerala.

The reason for this decision is not known. Five years ago, it was during the rule of Oommen Chandy government that decision was taken to elevate NISH. Soon the Centre announced that NISH would be converted into a Central University.

Naturally, the State didn’t do any follow-up on that. Now, as the Centre has backtracked from its promises on NISH, its future will now depend on the State government’s decision.

There are two possibilities for that. What is more important among them is to implement the decision taken during the tenure of previous government.

All basic steps required for upgrading NISH into a university have been completed. Just the bill for it need to be passed.
The NISH can be converted into a role model university in which the State can take pride in. NISH, which started two decades ago with the help of State social welfare board, currently runs courses till PG for the differently-abled.

NISH currently faces technical hurdles for starting new different courses. These difficulties can be solved if it becomes a university. UGC help can also be taken after this. Growth of NISH with all its prowess is not only a necessity of State but also the whole country.

Not only in education but in Cochlear implantation also, NISH has gained national reputation. The institute has courses related to Neurotic cognitive disability, autism and other behavioural disabilities. There are also study programmes in coordination with universities that function as per international standards.

Though the dream called Central University was nipped in the bud, NISH has all the eligibility to rise as a university. But, the State government should be kind enough.

Though there is a plethora of universities, it is the duty of the State government to ensure the growth of an institute like NISH.
The action plan for this will be there in the administrative nerve centre. Just what is needed is dusting that plan and implementing it with necessary changes. It is a reality that NISH will not face any allegation like the ones faced by other universities at birth.