¨ Punjab
became the first state to empanel sign language experts under the Juvenile
Justice Act.
¨
Punjab has become the first Indian state
to officially empanel sign language professionals under the Juvenile Justice
Act, 2015.
¨
The step was announced by Dr. Baljit Kaur,
Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development.
¨
These experts, including interpreters,
translators, and educators, will be appointed across districts to support
children with hearing and speech impairments.
¨
Their role will include assisting in court
proceedings and other formal interactions involving such children.
¨
The move is also in line with the
provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
2012, to ensure accessible and sensitive justice for all children.
¨
These professionals will be posted in
different districts and will be remunerated as per the relevant legal
provisions.
¨
Their timely assistance will be ensured in
both routine and urgent cases involving children with special needs.
¨
The Punjab government has already made the
Vidhan Sabha accessible by broadcasting its sessions in sign language.
¨ This
latest decision strengthens the state's approach to inclusive governance and
child protection.
