Make R-Day events accessible to hearing-impaired viewers, Centre asks TV channels

New Delhi: The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Thursday called upon all private satellite TV channels to broadcast President Droupadi Murmu’s address on the eve of Republic Day, January 25, and the Republic Day Parade on January 26, with enhanced accessibility features to ensure that people with hearing impairments can meaningfully connect with these events of immense national significance.

Responding to requests from civil society members over the years, the ministry has issued a notification to make these broadcasts inclusive by incorporating sign language interpretation and English or Hindi closed captions. In response, the public broadcaster Doordarshan has announced that DD Bharati and DD News will telecast the President’s address on January 25 from 7:00 pm with sign language interpretation. Similarly, on January 26, DD News will air the Republic Day Parade commentary from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm, also accompanied by sign language interpretation.

Highlighting the role of the media in fostering national unity and supporting marginalized communities, the ministry has urged private broadcasters to take up this cause. Besides, to facilitate this effort, the ministry has made the live feed from DD News and DD Bharati available free of cost to all private TV channels.