State in India to print all government documents in Braille

From The Times of India:

PANAJI, India -- Reaching out to visually challenged people in Goa, the government printing press on Thursday became the first such institution in the country to launch a Braille embosser that will "print" all government notifications and other publications in Braille.

A Braille embosser is basically a printer which converts normal text keyed into it into Braille so that blind people can read the document by feeling it. Speaking on the occasion, printing and stationary minister Aleixo Sequeira said the Braille documents would be given free to the blind but the person must first submit his disability certificate.

The Braille publications will also be given to commercial establishments on demand on a payment of Rs 2 per page. Educational institutions can purchase the same on payment of Rs 1 per page, Sequeira said.

The government printing press also inaugurated the CTP (computer to plate) technology. Speaking on the occasion, printing and stationary minister Aleixo Sequeira said the printing press is only the fourth press in Goa to have the CTP technology.

According to printing press director N D Agarwal CTP technology will enhance printing quality, speed of processing and save money by eliminating various consumables required for printing.

While the Braille embosser has been procured at a cost of Rs 2 lakh, the CTP technology has cost Rs 55 lakh.

The government printing press also inaugurated a paper cutting machine and a perforating machine, and Sequeira released a manual of labour law and a calendar and diary for 2011.