Punjab to Introduce Sign Language in Vidhan Sabha for Hearing-Impaired Citizens: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Patiala News: Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, and Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Baljit Kaur, underscored the Punjab government’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that sign language will soon be implemented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This initiative, subject to approval by the Speaker, will ensure that proceedings are accessible to hearing-impaired citizens. Dr. Baljit Kaur announced this during the state-level celebration of International Sign Language Day, held in Patiala.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also revealed that Punjab Police personnel will be trained in sign language to better assist individuals with speech and hearing disabilities, ensuring they receive justice. She reiterated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, places a high priority on promoting sign language as part of its broader mission to support the marginalized.

“According to natural law, everyone has some form of disability, and it’s not limited to a particular group,” Dr. Baljit Kaur remarked. “It is our duty to uplift those who are disadvantaged in any way. For individuals who cannot speak, their inner strength and talent are immense, and it is our responsibility to recognize and nurture this potential.”

The minister further stressed that lacking physical abilities does not define a person’s worth, but being mentally restrained is the real limitation. She added that while language enables us to communicate, love, empathy, and compassion are the truest languages. “People become marginalized when their voices are unheard,” she said, emphasizing the government’s efforts to integrate such individuals into mainstream society. Dr. Baljit Kaur encouraged children with hearing and speech disabilities to view sign language as a gateway to new opportunities, allowing them to pursue their ambitions without restriction.

During the event, Dr. Baljit Kaur applauded the performances by students and praised Patiala district for setting an example by creating a supportive environment for differently-abled children. She noted that Patiala’s efforts serve as a beacon for other districts in Punjab.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav welcomed the Cabinet Minister and highlighted the efforts of the Patiala district administration to support individuals with hearing and speech impairments. Ravinder Kaur from the Noida Deaf Society thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for organizing the state-level event in Patiala, recognizing the importance of International Sign Language Day.

The event featured vibrant performances by students from Patiala School for the Deaf, Patiala Association for the Deaf, Vani Integrated School for Hearing Impaired, Noida Deaf Society, and the Speaking Hands Society of Rajpura.

Improvement Trust Chairman Megh Chand Shermajra, District Planning Committee Chairman Jasvir Singh Jassi Sohianwala, SSP Dr. Nanak Singh, ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SDM Arvind Kumar, District Social Security Officer Jobandeep Kaur Cheema, District Program Officer Pardeep Singh Gill, Colonel Karminder Singh, and Jagdeep Singh, along with many speech and hearing-impaired individuals from across Punjab were also present at the event .