Chandigarh: In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the lives of children in institutional care, Punjab has become the first state in the country to launch a structured Skill Development Programme for children residing in Observation Homes and Special Homes. The programme was formally launched today by Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur at the Observation Home for Boys, Faridkot.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that this pioneering initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to equipping children under institutional care with the skills, confidence and opportunities required to lead independent and dignified lives.
The programme has been specially designed to address the distinct needs of children residing in different categories of Child Care Institutions. For children in Observation Homes—who are provided temporary care, protection, counselling, education and rehabilitation—the training will focus on discipline, self-confidence, counselling support and employable skills. For children in Special Homes, where long-term behavioural reform, rehabilitation and social reintegration are priorities, the vocational training will be integrated with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that in the first phase, 211 children—nearly 50 per cent of the total 420 children residing in four Child Care Institutions across Punjab—will receive vocational training in employment-oriented trades. The selected courses include Hairdresser and Stylist, Smartphone Assembly Technician and Multi-Skill Technician, carefully chosen to align with emerging employment opportunities and enable children to acquire practical, market-relevant skills within a short period.
“A child’s future should never be defined by the circumstances that brought him or her into a Child Care Institution. Through this initiative, we want every child to know that their future will be shaped not by their past, but by their skills, hard work and determination,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur.
The Minister emphasized that every child enrolled under the programme will be viewed not as a “case”, but as an individual with immense talent, aspirations and potential. She further assured that the privacy, dignity and identity of the children will be fully protected and no personal details will be disclosed on any public platform.
Beyond technical training, the programme will help children develop self-confidence, communication skills, discipline, work ethics, teamwork and a positive outlook towards life, thereby preparing them for successful social and economic reintegration.
Sharing details of the training plan, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that 36 children at Observation Home, Faridkot will be trained in the Hairdresser and Stylist course. At Observation Home, Ludhiana, a total of 85 children will receive training, including 56 in Hairdresser and Stylist and 29 in Smartphone Assembly Technician. Similarly, at Observation and Special Homes, Hoshiarpur, 90 children will be trained, including 30 children from the Special Home in Hairdresser and Stylist, 30 children from the Observation Home in Multi-Skill Technician, and the remaining 30 children in Hairdresser and Stylist courses.
The Department will also endeavour to provide certified training, placement support, entrepreneurial guidance and post-training after-care follow-up to participating children. Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the model would be expanded to other homes in the future, enabling more children to move from vulnerability to opportunity, from dependence to self-reliance, and from institutional care to meaningful careers. On the occasion, Faridkot MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon and Deputy Commissioner Faridkot Rahul Chaba were also present.
