- विज्ञापन -
The Punjab government has issued orders to use appropriate and sensitive terminology for persons with special abilities in government communications and documents. These instructions follow a letter issued by the Central Government. According to the new orders, the use of respectful terms was recommended in place of the previously disapproved terms used towards such employees in government documents, information and communications.
The Education Department, in response to a letter from the Social Security and Women and Child Development Department of the Punjab Government, has clarified that the use of ‘Apaahj’ or other words similar to ‘Viklang’ should be completely stopped. Instead of these words, the words ‘Divyang’ or Divyangjan should be used. Similarly, the word ‘Mentally Retarded’ will be replaced with ‘Intellectual Disability’. Similarly, the word ‘Deaf and Dumb’ will be replaced with the word ‘Hearing and Speech Impaired’.
The Education Department has directed all government and private educational institutions to adopt these changes with immediate effect and ensure the use of language that is sensitive towards citizens with special abilities. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the state have also been asked to create awareness in this regard. It is worth noting that the Central Government had directed the states to promote the use of respectful language under the Rights of Persons with Special Ability Act-2016 passed in 2016.
However, old words are still being used in many government and private institutions, which the Punjab Government has now taken concrete steps to eliminate. Experts believe that language is not just a medium of expression but also reflects the thinking of society. Therefore, it is necessary for the use of correct and respectful words for the persons with special abilities to maintain their self-respect and dignity.
