Dharmendra Pradhan to launch PMeVIDYA DTH Channel for Indian Sign Language Today

This initiative directly aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends the promotion of Indian Sign Language to create a more inclusive educational environment.

In a significant step towards fostering an inclusive education system, Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, will officially launch the PM e-VIDYA DTH Channel No. 31 for Indian Sign Language (ISL) today, December 6, 2024, in New Delhi. The channel aims to provide comprehensive educational resources in ISL, benefiting hearing-impaired students, teachers, and educators across India.

The event will also be graced by the presence of Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for Education. Their participation highlights the government's commitment to promoting education and skill development for all, including the differently-abled community.

The launch event will see the participation of various stakeholders, including children with hearing impairments, achievers from the hearing-impaired community, special educators, ISL certified interpreters, and organizations working towards mainstreaming the hearing-impaired community. The event is expected to emphasize the importance of ISL in educational and professional settings.

Promoting Indian Sign Language under NEP 2020

This initiative directly aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends the promotion of Indian Sign Language to create a more inclusive educational environment. As per Para 4.22 of the NEP, “Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardized across the country, and National and State curriculum materials will be developed for use by students with hearing impairment.” It further states that “local sign languages will be respected and taught as well, where possible and relevant.”

The PM e-VIDYA channel is a strategic move to ensure the widespread adoption of ISL in the educational landscape. By offering a dedicated platform for ISL content, the channel will enable students and teachers to access curriculum-based learning, career guidance, skill development, and mental health resources, among others.

Making Indian Sign Language Accessible to All

The primary goal of the new channel is to promote ISL not just as a means of communication for the hearing-impaired, but as a school subject accessible to all. By introducing ISL into the curriculum alongside other languages like Hindi and English, the government aims to raise awareness and understanding of the language, ensuring that the larger population has the opportunity to learn and embrace it.

The channel will serve as a resource hub for a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, and teacher educators. Content will cover various educational aspects, from class-wise curricular content to skill training, and will also focus on communication skills development and the promotion of ISL as a language subject.

Towards an Inclusive Educational Future

This initiative represents a major milestone in India’s journey toward an inclusive and accessible education system. The PM e-VIDYA DTH Channel for ISL is expected to significantly improve the educational experience for hearing-impaired children and empower them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly diverse society. With the launch of this channel, the Indian government reaffirms its commitment to bridging the education gap and fostering equal opportunities for all students, irrespective of their hearing abilities.

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