NEW DELHI: All private television channels have been asked to carry DD News’ telecast of the Republic Day parade on 26 January with sign language interpretation to help the differently abled to “connect meaningfully with this important National Day.”

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has said that people, especially with hearing impairment, have requested for a wide coverage available to them across public and private TV channels.

Doordarshan has indicated that DD News will carry the sign language interpretation to provide access to the people with hearing impairment. DD News will also let private satellite TV channels carry the feed of this event free of cost, if they wish to carry the same telecast.

The Ministry, in a note, said, “The media has always been in the forefront of taking up important issues covering national integration, progress of disadvantaged sections of the society, etc.”

It was in this spirit that all TV channels, interested in carrying the live telecast of the Republic Day Parade with commentary were being advised to carry the signals of DD News with sign language interpretation for the benefit of differently abled people.