NEW DELHI: Private television channels, which normally re-transmit the signals of Doordarshan relating to the Republic Day Parade, have been asked to carry the sign language interpretation following a demand by the hearing impaired.

DD News always telecasts the Parade with simultaneous sign language interpretation.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in an advisory that it had received the request from the hearing impaired to ‘help them connect meaningfully with this important National Day.’

As in previous years, DD will provide this feed free of cost to private channels.

The Ministry noted, “Whereas the media has always been in the forefront of taking up important issues covering national integration, the progress of disadvantaged sections of the society etc. would be another step in the right direction by media to facilitate access to the Parade commentary to differently abled people. It is in this spirit that all TV channels interested in carrying the live telecast of the Republic Day Parade with commentary are advised to carry the signals of DD News with sign language interpretation.”