Introduction
In a significant move towards inclusive education, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the PM e-VIDYA DTH Channel No. 31 dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL). This initiative aims to promote accessibility and inclusivity for the hearing-impaired community, aligning with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Channel Overview
The new DTH channel, Channel No. 31, will disseminate learning content for schoolchildren, teachers, and educators. It will cover topics such as career guidance, skill training, mental health, communication skills, and class-specific curricular content. The channel will also promote ISL as a language subject, similar to Hindi or English, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Objectives of the Initiative
The primary objective of the PM e-VIDYA DTH channel is to foster a more inclusive educational environment for students with hearing impairments. By standardizing ISL across the country and developing national and state curriculum materials, the initiative aims to ensure that students with hearing impairments have access to quality education.
Impact on the Hearing-Impaired Community
The launch of the PM e-VIDYA DTH channel is a significant step towards promoting ISL as both a language and a school subject. This will enable the larger population to learn ISL, fostering better communication and understanding between hearing-impaired individuals and the rest of the community. The channel will also provide educational content tailored to the needs of hearing-impaired students, helping them achieve their academic and personal goals.
Support from Key Stakeholders
The launch event was attended by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, as well as hearing-impaired children, special educators, ISL-certified interpreters, and organizations working to mainstream the hearing-impaired community. Their participation highlights the collaborative effort to make education more inclusive and accessible.
Conclusion
The introduction of the PM e-VIDYA DTH channel for Indian Sign Language marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusive education. By promoting ISL and providing tailored educational content, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for the hearing-impaired community. This aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and sets a precedent for future educational reforms.
