SHIMLA: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly constructed building of Institute for specially-abled children at Dhalli in Shimla district, built at a cost of Rs. 8.28 crore.
This facility will serve as a milestone for children in Himachal Pradesh with hearing and visual impairments. This new five-storied building includes 32 modern classrooms and residential rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It also houses a computer lab, vocational training rooms, a music room, library, workshop, and other essential amenities. Furthermore, 10 rooms have been allocated for hostel accommodation.
Shri Sukhu said that currently, the institute was providing education to 140 children, including 106 hearing-impaired and 34 visually impaired students. The institute offers free residential education from 1st Class to 12th Class. In addition, students receive vocational training in fields such as handicrafts, bakery, computer skills, and horticulture to help them become self-reliant and lead dignified lives.
The Chief Minister said that in view of Diwali, the state government employees and pensioner with employees of various boards and corporations, will get their salaries and pensions on October 28. This will also apply to Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, outsourced employees, and those working in the government sector, ensuring they can celebrate the festival of Diwali with ease.
He said that in the past about 20 months, the state government has generated an additional revenue of Rs. 2600 crore, with 30 percent of this being allocated to the social sector and the remaining was being spent on the rural economy and other areas. The Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to social upliftment, including providing a monthly pension of Rs 1500 to eligible women above the age of 18 years. He said that a scheme would be introduced in the next budget to ensure well-being of the differently-abled children up to the age of 27 years. Provisions would also be made for the care of elderly citizens over the age of 70. The state government was laying special emphasis on the welfare of differently-abled individuals, orphaned children, widows, and senior citizens above 70 years of age, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the present state government was committed to laying the foundation for a bright future for specially-abled individuals by providing high-quality formal and vocational education. He said that a 'Centre of Excellence for the Differently-Abled' was being set-up in Kandaghat in Solan district, spanning on 45 bighas of land which would accommodate 300 students. The centre aims to ensure the holistic development of differently-abled individuals, making them capable of leading a dignified life.
He further said, "Our government is continuously working towards ensuring that specially-abled individuals are educated and trained to earn a respectable place in the society and this newly constructed building is a step towards securing a bright future for our specially-abled children."
Shri Sukhu announced one lakh rupees for the children of the institution for Diwali celebrations, Rs. 2 lakh for the purchase of musical instruments and Rs. 10,000 each for the children who presented paintings to him.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil stated that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had given a new identity to orphaned children by designating them as 'Children of the State.' He said that the Chief Minister's first visit after taking office was to the Balika Ashram in Tutikandi, and the government introduced a scheme to support orphaned children which show his concern for the vulnerable sections of the society. Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to enact legislation ensuring the welfare and care of orphaned children, he added.
Dr. Shandil also mentioned that the newly constructed building in Dhalli reflects the Chief Minister's commitment to the cause. Several initiatives had been launched by the state government for differently-abled children.
Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, Ashish Singhmar said that the new building was constructed due to the Chief Minister's special interest in the project. He also provided an overview of various schemes being implemented by the department.
A cultural programme was presented by the children on the occasion.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Director, Women and Child Development Department Kiran Bhadana, CMD, SJVNL Sushil Sharma, Engineer-in-Chief PWD NP Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.