­­­­Introduction

According to the Census 2011, a total of 2.68 crore persons in India were reported as having disabilities out of which 19% have hearing disabilities. In 2023, WHO estimates that in India, approximately 63 million people suffer from significant auditory impairment.

To address the needs of citizens with hearing impairment, on 6 December 2024, the Government of India launched Channel 31 on DTH, dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL) training for hearing-impaired students, special educators, interpreters, and relevant organizations. The channel was inaugurated by Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for promoting and standardising ISL across India to create a more inclusive educational environment. NEP also emphasizes the respect and inclusion of local sign languages.

Incorporating Indian Sign Language (ISL) into Indian Education System

Indian Sign Language (ISL) is a well-structured language that serves as the primary means of communication for hearing-impaired individuals. In 2020, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) signed an MoU with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to translate textbooks for classes I–XII and other teaching materials into ISL. This process is expected to be completed by 2026. Along with on-air television training modules for students and educators, the government is working to integrate ISL into the Indian education system, fostering greater inclusion.

PM e-Vidya: A Comprehensive Digital Education Initiative

PM e-Vidya was launched as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan by the Ministry of Education on 17th May 2020. The initiative aims to provide multi-mode access to education through digital, online, and on-air platforms to minimise learning losses, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It supports the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring equitable and quality education across the country. The initiative leverages technology to make education accessible to all students, including those in rural and remote areas, by providing a wide range of digital resources, courses, and interactive content.

Key Components of PM e-Vidya:

 

PM e-Vidya is aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusive, quality education for all learners across the nation. Through its diverse components, it provides the necessary tools for both students and educators to adapt to a digital learning environment.

PM e-Vidya Wins UNESCO Recognition

 

PM e-Vidya, an initiative by the Department of School Education, Ministry of Education, leveraging ICT, was recognized by UNESCO in 2022 for its impactful use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), part of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), received the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education for 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges innovative technological approaches to expand educational opportunities for all, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 4 on Education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the launch of the PM e-Vidya DTH Channel 31 dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL) marks a significant step towards an inclusive and accessible education system for hearing-impaired students in India. With its broad reach and integration into the PM e-Vidya framework, the ISL DTH channel has the potential to create a more equitable educational environment, where every learner, regardless of their hearing abilities, can access quality education. Ultimately, this initiative paves the way for a more inclusive future, where education transcends barriers and fosters opportunities for all.

References

https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/update/PIB1945057.pdf

https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/update/PIB1945057.pdf

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2080565

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1982424

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1835296

https://pmevidya.education.gov.in/index.html

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/175/AU4460.pdf?source=pqals

https://www.who.int/india/campaigns/world-hearing-day-2023

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

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