Ahead of the 68th Flag Week of the Deaf (February 1st-7th), a delegation from the All India Federation of the Deaf (AIFD) met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, amplifying the community’s voice and seeking continued support. This interaction offered a glimpse into the government’s ongoing efforts to empower the deaf community and the aspirations for an inclusive future.
Dr Singh reiterated the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of “Divyangjan” (persons with disabilities), outlining a range of initiatives specifically targeting the deaf community. These include:
- Revolutionizing Deaf Education: A groundbreaking MoU between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) aims to standardize and improve Deaf education across the nation, fostering greater access and inclusivity.
- Bridging the Communication Gap: Recognizing the critical role of communication, the government launched 10,000 ISL dictionary terms and a Video Relay Service through WhatsApp video calls, empowering the deaf community to connect and participate more actively in various spheres of life.
- Unlocking Athletic Potential: The inauguration of the country’s first high-tech sports training centre for Divyangjan, named after former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, provides dedicated training facilities and fosters athletic excellence within the deaf community.
- Promoting Financial Inclusion: Aiming to enhance financial independence, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) announced a 1% interest rate rebate on National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) loans for timely repayments, encouraging financial participation and entrepreneurship.
Dr Singh also highlighted broader initiatives undertaken by the Modi government that align with the long-term goals of inclusivity and empowerment for Divyangjan, including:
- Expanding the Definition of Disability: Recognizing the diverse spectrum of experiences within the disability community, The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was amended to increase the categories of disabilities from 3 to 5, ensuring wider coverage and support.
- Ensuring Equal Opportunities: Reservation quotas for Divyangjan were increased from 3% to 4% in Central Government Services and 5% in Education, opening doors to greater participation in various sectors.
- Shifting the Narrative: Embracing a person-centred approach, the term “Divyang” (divine body) was adopted to replace “Viklang” (disabled), promoting respect and dignity for persons with disabilities.
Beyond policy pronouncements, the government has taken concrete steps to translate its commitment into tangible results:
- Filling the Gap: Recognizing the importance of representation, a special drive successfully filled 15,000 vacant government posts reserved for Divyangjan, ensuring their rightful inclusion in the workforce.
- Supporting Aspiring Minds: Initiatives like fee remission for Divyangjan in Civil Services examinations and the provision of two choices of home cadre for qualifying candidates demonstrate the government’s focus on career development and equal opportunities.
- Enhancing Quality of Life: Measures, like increased Divyang pensions and attendant allowances, aim to improve the daily lives of individuals within the deaf community, ensuring their well-being and participation in society.
While Flag Week serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of the deaf community, the efforts towards inclusivity must continue beyond these seven days. Dr Singh acknowledged the ongoing work undertaken by the Ministry of Science & Technology in supporting Divyangjan in science, technology, and startups, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts across various sectors. Additionally, the establishment of special sports training institutes across the country, including one in Shillong, offers a glimpse into the future where athletic opportunities are equally accessible to all.
