New Delhi: Punjab’s Mann Government has launched a historic initiative to empower children with disabilities and ensure their rights. In August 2025, Punjab became the first state in India to appoint sign language interpreters, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
This move is aimed at supporting children who have difficulty hearing or speaking and are often neglected in legal and educational processes.
The initiative goes beyond administrative reform. It represents a mission to give a voice to children who are unable to speak or hear. By making the silence of these children heard, the Mann Government demonstrates that governance can be driven by empathy and human sensitivity.
A technical solution, “Sign Lingua Franca,” is being developed in Patiala to convert spoken words into sign language, providing millions of hearing-impaired children with access to communication. This combination of technology and compassionate policy ensures meaningful change and sets a precedent for other states.
The initiative also fosters self-confidence, dignity, and inclusion for deaf and mute children, making them feel integral to society. Punjab has become the first state in India to implement sign language in its Legislative Assembly, enabling people with disabilities to follow key proceedings, including the Governor’s address, budget sessions, and other debates.
Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government is committed to making communication systems accessible in accordance with Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, ensuring that all disabled individuals can understand their rights and government policies.
This initiative is being hailed as a revolution in inclusive governance. Punjab has shown that small yet thoughtful steps can lead to significant positive change, demonstrating that true development occurs when every segment of society can express itself in its own language.
