Punjab Assembly 1st in India to broadcast proceeding in sign language

Punjab has become the first state in India to broadcast its state Legislative Assembly proceedings in Sign language.

This information was provided by Dr Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development of the Punjab government. 

The path-breaking initiative is likely to make the proceedings of the Punjab Legislative Assembly accessible to the person suffering from deafness disability and make them aware about government policies and legislative discussions. 

Broadcast of Governor’s Speech in Sign Language 

The customary Governor’s speech at the start of the budget session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly was broadcast in sign language. 

The initiative to broadcast important parts of the legislative proceedings of the House was a brainchild of the Ministry of Social Security, Women and Child Development of the state government.

The ministry took this step under Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. Section 40 of the Act provides for the government to make communication systems accessible to persons suffering from disabilities.

The speaker of the 16th Punjab Legislative Assembly Kultar Singh Sandhwan approved this proposal of the ministry and it was introduced during the current session of the assembly.

Punjab Legislative Assembly has decided to broadcast the Governor’s address, Budget Session, and other important discussions in sign language.

Governor of Punjab: Gulab Chand Kataria 

Chief Minister: Bhagwant Singh Mann

Sign Language Day 

Sign  Language Day is observed in India on 23rd September every year since 2018. In the world, the day is observed as International Sign Language Day.

23rd March was chosen by the United Nations to mark the establishment of the World Federation of Deaf on this day 1951.

The theme of Sign Language Day 2024 was ‘Support Sign Language Rights’.

The day is observed to bring together stakeholders, citizens, service-providing agencies, schools for the deaf, NGOs, activists, deaf leaders, educators, researchers, etc., to create positive awareness about the utility of sign language for the deaf.

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