Chandigarh, August 4:
In a landmark move to ensure accessible and sensitive justice for all, the Punjab Government is set to become the first state in the country to formally empanel Sign Language Interpreters, Translators, and Special Educators under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. This information was shared by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that this initiative, undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, is a strong effort to empower children with special needs by eliminating communication barriers in legal, educational, and daily life settings.
She emphasized that this empanelment under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 will bridge communication gaps and strengthen access to justice and rights for children. These trained professionals will play a supportive role during court proceedings, thereby ensuring impartial and transparent outcomes.
The Minister added that Punjab is committed to building an inclusive society where every child feels heard, understood, and respected. This effort reflects the government’s firm commitment to child welfare and rights-based governance.
Dr. Kaur further informed that the empanelled professionals will be deployed district-wise and will be compensated as per the provisions of the Acts. Timely and continuous assistance will be ensured wherever required.
It is worth mentioning that the Punjab Government has already set a precedent by broadcasting important proceedings of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in sign language. This step not only removes communication barriers for specially-abled children and individuals (especially those who are speech and hearing impaired), but also strengthens their active participation in the processes of social justice and inclusion. The empanelment of Sign Language Interpreters, Translators, and Special Educators is yet another major initiative in this direction by the Government of Punjab.
