Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu after laying the foundation stone of Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyaangjans’ to be established at Tikri in Kandaghat, Solan today stated that several ambitious government schemes have been effectively implemented to provide social security and empowerment to vulnerable sections of society, including specially abled. He said that the excellence centre was a step towards promoting higher education for specially abled and represents the state government’s resolve, making it the first such Centre in Himachal Pradesh and a model for the entire country.
Chief Minister said that the state government was fully committed to the inclusive development and welfare of every section of the society. He added that in line with this commitment, the foundation stone has been laid when approximately 25 percent of the construction work has already been completed.
The Chief Minister stated that the Centre would be established on 45 bighas of land at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 crore. He directed that the first phase of the Centre should be completed by October this year. The Centre will provide quality education, sports facilities, and residential accommodations for 300 differently-abled children. In addition, a new 500 kW solar power project will be installed at the Centre.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the institution will offer courses related to higher education, special education, and skill development for persons with disabilities. Research and development activities will also be conducted, keeping in mind the nature and severity of different disabilities.
Under this institution, a working women’s hostel will also be constructed at a cost of Rs. 15.33 crore. The Chief Minister noted that the state government provides assistive devices, financial assistance, rehabilitation services, education, and skill development opportunities for Divyaangjans. Students with more than 40 percent disability receive monthly scholarships ranging from Rs. 625 to Rs. 3,750, while social security pensions range from Rs. 1,150 to Rs. 1,700.
He further mentioned that marriage grants of Rs. 25,000 are provided to persons with 40 to 74 percent disability and Rs. 50,000 for those with more than 75 percent disability.
The Chief Minister recalled that Himachal Pradesh’s first residential special school for intellectually disabled children was established at Heeranagar, Shimla, where children aged 6 to18 receive free quality education, vocational training, and hostel facilities. He added that the government has also ensured accessibility measures such as ramps at bus stands, wheelchair availability in hospitals and other facilities for persons with disabilities.
Sukhu assured that the government will continue to work with full commitment for the welfare of Divyaangjans, enabling them to integrate into mainstream society and become self-reliant.
He announced an allocation of Rs. 50 crore for various specialty facilities and a trauma center at Solan Hospital, Rs. 5 crore for Civil Hospital Kandaghat and rupees one crore for the development of a sports ground in Kandaghat. On this occasion, he also released the 2026 calendar of Jogindra Bank.
Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil welcomed the Chief Minister to Solan Assembly constituency and expressed gratitude for bringing a slew of development works to the region.
He detailed the government’s initiatives for the upliftment of weaker sections of society. Among those present were MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Vinod Sultanpuri, Vivek Sharma, HPSIDC Vice Chairman Anurag Sharma, Mayor Solan Municipal Corporation Usha Sharma, Chairman Jogindra Bank Mukesh Sharma, Chairman Bhagat co-operative Bank Arun Sharma, Chairman APMC Solan Roshan Thakur, Sumit Khimta Director ESOMSA and other senior officials.
