Delegation of All India Federation of the Deaf Calls on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: A delegation from the All India Federation of the Deaf (AIFD) met with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi. The meeting took place ahead of the 68th Flag Week of the Deaf, observed from 1st to 7th February.

Led by AIFD’s General Secretary, Shri Roshan Kumar, the delegation marked the commencement of the Flag Week by pinning a sticker flag on the Union Minister. Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).

He highlighted the groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to revolutionize and standardize Deaf Education with Indian Sign Language (ISL). Additionally, Dr. Singh mentioned initiatives like the launch of 10,000 ISL dictionary terms and Video Relay Service for the deaf community on World Sign Language Day.

Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled the inauguration of the country’s first high-tech sports training center for Divyangjans, named after former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He also highlighted financial inclusion measures, including a 1% interest rate rebate under the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) loan for timely repayment.

Speaking about initiatives since 2014, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the increase in reservation quotas for Divyangs in Central Government Services and Education, from 3% to 4% and 5%, respectively. He emphasized that Divyangs are integral to the human resource and reiterated the government’s commitment to building an inclusive society.

The Union Minister highlighted the filling of around 15,000 vacant posts meant for Divyangs, special sports training institutes for Divyangs across the country, and various schemes in the Ministry of Science & Technology to support Divyangs in science, technology, and startups.

The meeting with the AIFD delegation reflects the government’s dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusivity across sectors.