India Launches Channel 31 for Inclusive Education

Why in the news?

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated PMeVIDYA DTH Channel 31, dedicated to Indian Sign Language, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities in education for the hearing-impaired community.

India Launches Channel 31 for Inclusive Education

Event Highlights:

  • Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the 24×7 PMeVIDYA DTH Channel No. 31 dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL).
  • The launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of State Shri Jayant Chaudhary, NCERT Director Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, and special educators.
  • The channel aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s inclusivity goals and aims to bridge the communication gap for the hearing-impaired.

Significance of Indian Sign Language (ISL):

  • Shri Pradhan emphasized ISL as vital for equal opportunities, promoting communication beyond auditory mediums.
  • Development of ISL to global standards is expected to create employment opportunities and enhance cultural expressions like drama and dance.
  • NEP 2020 highlights ISL standardization across India and integration into educational curricula to support Children with Special Needs (CwSN).
  • Over 10,000 ISL words have been standardized, ensuring regional language diversity.

About PM e-Vidya :

  • Launched: May 2020, by the Ministry of Education, under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
  • Aim: Provide equitable, accessible, and quality education through digital, online, and on-air platforms, addressing COVID-19-induced learning gaps.

Key Features:

  • DIKSHA Platform: Offers QR-coded textbooks, interactive content, and over 5.58 crore learning sessions.
  • DTH TV Channels: Expanded from 12 to 200, offering content in multiple languages for Classes 1–12.
  • SWAYAM Platform: MOOC-based platform with over 10,000 courses and credit transfer options.
  • Virtual Labs: 750 science and maths labs, and 75 skilling e-labs for simulation-based learning.
  • Community Outreach: Content broadcast via radio and podcasts like Shiksha Vani.
  • ISL Promotion: Channel 31 delivers 24×7 Indian Sign Language content for hearing-impaired students.

Recognitions:

  • Recognized by UNESCO in 2022 for its COVID-19 impact.
  • CIET awarded the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for ICT in Education, 2021.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times