PANJIM: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued guidelines for physically challenged or physically handicapped persons with regard to respecting the National Anthem as per the Supreme Court directions.
As per the guidelines, persons with loco motor disabilities and wheel-chair users shall position themselves to the extent of maximum attentiveness and alertness with or without help of appropriate aids and appliances. However, a person on crutches shall become stable (non-mobile) to the extent of maximum alertness.
It states that suitable instructions may be given in the form of captioning as well as in sign language on the screen for persons with hearing disabilities so that they are informed that the National Anthem is being played, while a person with blindness and low vision shall stand up, as will those escorting persons with disabilities.
In case of persons with intellectual disabilities, relaxation may be considered, depending on the degree of disability.
