Punjab’s Man government has taken a historic initiative to empower children with disabilities and ensure them justice. In August 2025, Punjab set a precedent by becoming 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 decision will prove to be a blessing for children who have difficulty hearing or speaking and are often neglected in legal and educational processes.
This is not just a government decision, but a story of hope resonating in a child’s silent world. When a child is born unable to hear or speak, their world shrinks to a quiet and limited sphere, far from the noise of words. Their eyes hold countless questions, and their hearts yearn to speak, but their tongue remains silent. In the corridors of justice, where words reign supreme, asserting themselves is nothing less than climbing a mountain for such children. But Punjab’s Man government has made the silence of these children its voice. This is not merely an administrative reform, but the result of a prayer from a child’s heart.
This initiative is not limited to the legal and political realm. A technical solution, “Sign Lingua Franca,” is being developed in Patiala, which converts spoken words into sign language. This technology can change the lives of millions who are hearing-impaired. The Man government is not just announcing schemes, but is bringing about real change by combining technology and human sensitivity. The Man government’s initiative shows that governance runs not on data, but on the heart. It is not just a policy, but an emotional journey—a journey that shows a silent child the path of hope. By taking this step, Punjab has not only set an example but has also proved that when empathy and willpower meet, even the biggest obstacles are removed. This move by the Man government is a promise of a smile and a new, empowered future for every disabled child.
This initiative is a ray of dignity and hope for millions of deaf and mute children and their families. When a child is able to communicate and is understood, it multiplies their self-confidence many times over. This decision makes these children feel that they too are an important part of society and that their voice matters, even if it is not in words. The Man government’s move is a humanitarian initiative. It shows how a sensitive government can bring about change for the most vulnerable segment of society.
Punjab has become the first state in India to implement sign language in its Legislative Assembly for the convenience of people with disabilities. Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, shared this information, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Singh Man, the Punjab government has taken this unique initiative to address the concerns of people with disabilities. This made the disabled feel that they too are an integral part of this society. It gave them the opportunity to understand government policies and express their opinions. Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that under Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it is essential to make communication systems accessible to make persons with disabilities aware of their human rights. Accordingly, the Governor’s address, the budget session, and other important discussions in the Punjab Assembly were also broadcast in sign language.
This decision will be an inspiration for other states in India. Under the leadership of the Man government, Punjab has shown a path where we all should work together so that no part of our society is left behind. This is a story that touches hearts and reminds us that when we all walk together, no distance is impossible. The Man government in Punjab has shown how a small start can lay the foundation for a big and positive change. This is not just a ‘task’ but a ‘revolution’. “The Man government proved – true development happens when every segment of society can express itself in its ‘language’.”
