New Delhi, December 6 (IANS). DTH channel number 31 for Indian Sign Language (ISL) was launched on Friday under PM-e Vidya. Through this DTH channel, hearing impaired students will be able to get support in their education. This DTH channel launched by the Union Education Ministry will also guide hearing-impaired students in career related subjects.
According to the 2011 census, a total of 2.68 crore persons in India are reported to be disabled. Of these, 19 percent have hearing problems. In the year 2023, WHO estimates that about 63 million people in India will suffer from hearing problems.
To cater to the educational needs of hearing impaired people, Government of India has launched Channel 31 on DTH. It will provide Indian Sign Language (ISL) training for hearing impaired students, special teachers, interpreters and related organizations.
Launching this channel, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the ‘National Education Policy-2020’ (NEP) has given priority to the education of children with special needs (CWSN). This reflects a shift towards a more inclusive education system. Sound is not the only medium for communication, alternative forms like sign language also play an important role in ensuring a level playing field for all.
He called for developing ISL according to global standards and adopting it widely, envisioning more individuals learning ISL to support the hearing-impaired population in India. He said that this will also help in creating employment opportunities.
Pradhan also pointed to the influence of ISL in cultural expressions like dance and drama and cited examples of extraordinary individuals to highlight the immense potential within the disabled community. He called Channel 31 a bridge. He urged the stakeholders to popularize Channel 31 and ensure its reach across India as the gateway to Indian Sign Language across the world.
He said it sets a benchmark for emerging economies. This initiative reaffirms India’s commitment to constitutional rights, ensuring equal access to education and resources for all citizens.
–IANS
GCB/ABM
