New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS): The information and broadcasting ministry Thursday issued directions to provide commentary in sign language during the live television coverage of the Republic Day Parade for the benefit of the hearing and speech impaired.

The ministry issued directions to Prasar Bharati for having an inset box on TV screens during the telecast of the Republic Day Parade ceremony through which a sign language expert could give running commentary on the proceedings Jan 26, an official release said.

Prasar Bharati has been asked to have this provision on its three all-India channels -- DD Urdu, DD Bharati and DD News.

The decision has been taken in the interest of all citizens who are speech and hearing impaired, the release said.

The move comes after Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari received a representation from the National Association of Deaf, requesting for providing a sign language interpreter in an inset box on TV screens during the live coverage of the parade.

The minister assured the group that prompt action would be taken on their request.