Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said it is indeed a great achievement to be able to detect a child’s speech and hearing problems while still in the womb. For this, the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, deserves appreciation, he said.
Speaking at the diamond jubilee celebrations of AIISH in Mysuru, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the field must see more achievements and progress. The State government has already provided 10 acres of land in the Varuna constituency to AIISH for free. “We are also ready to extend all necessary assistance,” he said.
Describing AIISH the country’s pride, he said, “AIISH, which works in the area of speech and hearing disorders, is among the best institutions in Asia. It has become the voice for the voiceless and has given speech to those who were silent without hearing. It is a matter of pride that such an institution is located in Mysuru and is celebrating its diamond jubilee.”
The Chief Minister said that while all organs are important for humans, eyes and ears are especially important.
According to the 2011 Census, about 3.3 lakh people in Karnataka suffer from speech and hearing impairment, accounting for 0.5% of the population.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the State-sponsored Cochlear Implant Programme – ‘Shravana Sanjeevini’ and how it has helped children overcome their disability.
The Minister said the State has set its vision of making Karnataka “deafness-free”, with greater focus on the programme.
Published – September 01, 2025 07:47 pm IST
