Odisha Signs MoU with NIEPID to Strengthen Support for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening inclusive education and empowerment initiatives, the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID). The partnership aims to enhance early identification, education, capacity building and community awareness for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwIDs) across the State.

The MoU was signed in Bhubaneswar with the objective of establishing a structured collaboration for implementing NIEPID-developed curriculum frameworks in special schools operating under the Grant-in-Aid fold of the SSEPD Department. Through this partnership, the State seeks to improve the quality of educational and developmental services provided to children with intellectual disabilities by leveraging expert guidance, systematic training and continuous monitoring.

Under the agreement, both institutions will work jointly in key areas such as early identification and early intervention, capacity building of special educators, caregivers and frontline workers, effective curriculum implementation, research and documentation, and community awareness to promote inclusion and reduce stigma. The collaboration also envisages the development of training programmes, resource materials, and digital learning content, along with expert-led monitoring of implementation. Joint research initiatives and the publication of best practices and policy briefs are also part of the roadmap.

To ensure effective execution and regular oversight, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising representatives from SSEPD and NIEPID will be constituted. The committee will review progress, monitor outcomes and provide guidance on implementation. The MoU will remain in force for a period of three years, from January 16, 2026 to January 15, 2029, with provision for extension by mutual consent.

Officials said the partnership marks a major milestone in Odisha’s efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for persons with intellectual disabilities, in line with the State Government’s commitment to social inclusion and equitable development.