- Why in news
- On 23 September 2026, DEPwD and ISLRTC marked Sign Language Day 2026 in New Delhi. They launched new Indian Sign Language (ISL) books, videos, a journal and an expanded ISL dictionary.
- What it is
- The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) is an autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It works to develop and promote Indian Sign Language, train interpreters and teachers, and produce ISL teaching material. It is based in New Delhi.
- Parent body
- ISLRTC is an autonomous body under DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Courses run
- ISLRTC's courses include the Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI) and the Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (DTISL).
- ISL Dictionary
- The ISL Dictionary was expanded into 11 more languages, aiming to cover all 22 Scheduled Languages.
- Journal launched
- The first issue of the Journal of Indian Sign Language was released, with five research articles on deaf education and ISL.
- Broadcast access
- ISLRTC began direct encoder-based live streaming on PM e-VIDYA Channel No. 31.
- Legal backing
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 recognises sign language and requires accessible communication and education for persons with disabilities.
Don’t confuse with ISLRTC vs Rehabilitation Council of India: ISLRTC develops ISL and trains interpreters and teachers. The Rehabilitation Council of India is a statutory body that regulates training of rehabilitation professionals.
Don’t confuse with ISLRTC vs NIEPMD: ISLRTC focuses only on sign language. NIEPMD is a separate national institute for persons with multiple disabilities.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- Wider ISL use improves access to education, public services and participation for deaf persons.
- Interpreter training and standard ISL material build a base for implementing the RPwD Act, 2016.
Problems
- Demand for trained ISL interpreters is rising faster than supply.
- Few deaf-friendly schools and teachers fluent in ISL exist, so many deaf children lack early access to language.
Way forward
- Scale up interpreter and teacher training and make ISL part of school education from the early years.
- Expand digital and broadcast ISL content across regional languages and public services.
Put in your answer
ISL dictionary in Scheduled Languages: Extending the ISL Dictionary towards all 22 Scheduled Languages shows an effort to widen linguistic access.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: The Act is the main legal basis for accessibility and inclusive education for persons with disabilities.
NCERT collaboration: ISL videos cover 14 textbooks for Classes 1–6, plus 100 PAL videos, made with NCERT.
- 2022Mains GS2 · Q7Whether RPwD Act 2016 needs sensitisation of officials and citizens to work
- 2026Mains GS1 · Q9Understand disability and justify need for inclusive policy framework in India
- 2017Mains GS2 · Q7Whether RPwD Act 2016 ensures effective empowerment and inclusion mechanism
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting body under DEPwD, but the event is a day celebration with few facts a statement can turn on.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.