M UMBAI: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued an advisory to all news TV Channels stating that all channels interested in telecasting the live coverage of the Republic Day Parade-2014, with commentary should carry the signals of DD which provide sign language interpretation of the parade. In this context, it had already been decided that three channels of Doordarshan viz. DD- News, DD- Bharati and DD- Urdu would provide the sign language interpretation of the Republic Day Parade commentary in order to ensure access to people with hearing impairment. Prasar Bharati had been earlier directed for making such provisions for having an inset box on the TV screens during the telecast of the Republic Day Ceremony, through which the Sign Language Anchor/Expert could interpret the proceedings of the Republic Day parade. 

It has been the practice by DD to allow private satellite TV channels to carry the feed of the Republic Day parade and commentary free of cost. As per the practice, this year also DD would be sharing its feed of the Republic Day Parade with those satellite TV channels which wish to telecast the same. 

The advisory also states that while media has been in the forefront of taking up important issues of national interest, this initiative by the media to facilitate access to the Republic Day parade and commentary to people with disabilities was a step in the right direction. 

The decision has been taken in the interest of all those who are differently-abled, hearing impaired citizens. Recently the Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari received a representation from the National Association of Deaf requesting for providing sign language interpreter in an inset box on TV screens during the live coverage of the Republic Day Parade. The Minister assured that prompt action would be taken regarding their request. The same has been done. This initiative has been taken for the first time by the Ministry and in the shortest possible duration.