MIB directs private satellite TV channels to carry sign language interpretation on Republic Day coverage

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) today directed all private satellite TV channels to carry the Republic Day telecast accompanied with sign language interpretation and English/Hindi closed captions to help them connect meaningfully with the important National Day. The Ministry noted that it had received requests for facilitating access to the differently-abled people to the message of Hon’ble President of India on the eve of Republic Day on 25th January 2021 and to the commentary of the Republic Day parade on 26th January 2021 and English/Hindi closed captions to help them connect meaningfully.

Doordarshan has indicated that DD Bharati and DD News will carry sign language interpretation of the President’s message to the nation on their channel from 7 PM to 7:30 PM on 25th January 2021 while also carrying sign language interpretation of the commentary on their channel from 9 AM to 11 AM on 26th January 2021.

“The media has always been in the forefront of taking up important issues concerning national integration, progress of disadvantaged sections of the society, etc. Therefore the feed of DD News/DD Bharati is being made available free of cost. All TV channels interested in carrying the live telecast of the Message of Hon’ble President of India and Republic Day Parade with commentary may carry the signals of DD Bharati/DD News with sign language interpretation and English/Hindi closed captions for the benefit of differently abled people and make the event accessible to them,” said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in its letter.