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Himachal's First Centre of Excellence for Divyangjans: A Rs 200 Crore Leap in Inclusive Education

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for the state's first 'Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyangjans' in Kandaghat. The Rs 200 crore institution, set on 45 bighas, will provide higher education, skill development, and residential facilities for 300 children with disabilities, alongside a 500 kW solar project. The government also detailed existing support, including monthly scholarships and marriage grants for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the CM announced funds for healthcare upgrades in Solan and Kandaghat, reinforcing a commitment to inclusive development.

Key Points: Himachal CM Lays Foundation for Rs 200 Cr Centre for Divyangjans

  • First such centre in Himachal
  • Rs 200 crore project on 45 bighas
  • To host 300 children with facilities
  • Includes 500 kW solar power project
  • Offers scholarships & marriage grants
3 min read

Himachal CM lays foundation stone of 'Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyangjans' in Kandaghat

Himachal CM Sukhu inaugurates a Centre of Excellence for education & skill development of persons with disabilities, featuring a 500 kW solar project & hostel.

"a step towards promoting higher education for specially abled - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 3

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, after laying the foundation stone of 'Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyangjans' to be established at Tikri in Kandaghat, Solan, on Saturday 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, according to a release.

Chief Minister said that the state government was fully committed to the inclusive development and welfare of every section of society.

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 children with disabilities. In addition, a new 500 kW solar power project will be installed at the Centre.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the institution will offer higher education, special education, and skills development courses for persons with disabilities. Research and development activities will also be conducted, taking into account 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 Divyangjans. Students with more than 40 per cent 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 per cent disability and Rs. 50,000 for those with more than 75 per cent disability.

The Chief Minister recalled that Himachal Pradesh's first residential special school for children with intellectual disabilities was established in Heeranagar, Shimla, where children aged 6 to 18 receive free, high-quality education, vocational training, and hostel facilities. He added that the government has also implemented accessibility measures, such as ramps at bus stands and 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 Divyangjans, enabling them to integrate into mainstream society and become self-reliant.

Sukhu announced an allocation of Rs. 50 crore for various speciality facilities and a trauma centre at Solan Hospital, Rs. 5 crore for Civil Hospital Kandaghat and Rs. 1 crore for the development of a sports ground in Kandaghat. On this occasion, he also released Jogindra Bank's 2026 calendar.

Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil welcomed the Chief Minister to the Solan Assembly constituency and expressed gratitude for bringing a range of development projects to the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs. 200 crore on 45 bighas is a massive investment. While the intent is good, I hope there is strict oversight to ensure funds are used properly and the project is completed on time. We've seen too many foundation stones laid with work dragging for years.
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Ananya R
The inclusion of a solar power project shows forward-thinking. True empowerment means creating sustainable infrastructure. The scholarships and marriage grants are also very practical support for families. Good step for inclusive development.
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David E
As someone who has worked with disability advocacy groups, the focus on "nature and severity of different disabilities" in the R&D is crucial. A one-size-fits-all approach never works. Hope they involve the Divyangjan community directly in planning the courses.
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Karthik V
The working women's hostel is a smart addition. Empowering women with disabilities is a double challenge in our society. This centre could be a game-changer for many from humble backgrounds in Himachal and nearby states. Bahut badhiya!
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Sarah B
October deadline for the first phase seems ambitious. Hope they can maintain quality while rushing. The accessibility measures like ramps at bus stands are basic necessities that should be everywhere, not just near this centre.

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