DTH channel dedicated to sign language launched

The channel's content will cover a wide range of topics, including, news, educational programs, Entertainment and Government Schemes.

In a groundbreaking move to promote inclusivity and accessibility, a Direct-to-Home (DTH) television channel dedicated entirely to sign language interpretation has been launched. This initiative is a significant step forward in empowering the deaf and hard-of-hearing community by ensuring they have equal access to information, entertainment, and educational content.

Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has launched PM e-VIDYA Channel 31, a DTH channel dedicated to sign language. “A historic chapter has been added to the welfare of Divyangs in the form of a new Act which enlarges the scope of the legal framework. The National Education Policy 2020 has stressed the education of children with special needs. Our education system is fast becoming more inclusive,” Pradhan said. The minister feels that the Indian sign language has the potential to create jobs and set new standards. It should set a benchmark for the world.

The new channel, hailed as a pioneering effort, caters exclusively to the needs of those who rely on sign language for communication. By integrating sign language interpretation into its programming, the channel addresses the communication gap faced by millions of people with hearing disabilities, offering them a platform tailored to their requirements.

This initiative comes in response to the longstanding demand for more accessible media. While subtitles and closed captions have been widely used, they often fail to fully cater to the linguistic and cultural nuances of sign language users. A dedicated channel with professional sign language interpreters bridges this gap, providing a more immersive and comprehensible viewing experience.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that it aligns with national and international commitments to promoting inclusivity, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The launch of this channel # 31, dedicated to sign language is a beacon of hope and progress for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It underscores the importance of inclusivity in media and sets a precedent for how technology and innovation can be leveraged to create a more equitable society.