Uttar Pradesh Deaf Community Holds Big Protest in Lucknow

Thousands of Deaf people protested in Lucknow, demanding better education, jobs, transport, and equal rights through Indian Sign Language (ISL).

Deaf people from across Uttar Pradesh held a protest in Lucknow on 17 August 2026, demanding better education, employment, transport and equal opportunities.

A 13-member Deaf delegation also met Narendra Kumar Kashyap, Uttar Pradesh's Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. They submitted a memorandum with 20 demands and also requested Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to meet them and help resolve their issues.

The protesters called for Indian Sign Language (ISL)-based schools from Class 1 to 12, more trained ISL teachers, accessible study materials from NCERT and SCERT, and better skill training and job opportunities. They also demanded the filling of reserved government vacancies, accessible driving tests in ISL, free bus travel for persons with disabilities, a Rs.5,000 monthly unemployment allowance for eligible Deaf youth, and better access to government services through ISL.

During the protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, police stopped the protesters from moving towards the Assembly, leading to an argument. Police later took the protesters on buses, carried out symbolic arrests and released them after the memorandum was submitted. Police said the situation remained peaceful and denied using force.

The state government has assured the delegation that the demands will be considered. Another meeting has been scheduled for 18 September 2026 to review the progress. The Deaf community says it now wants these promises to be turned into real action on the ground.

 

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