Foundation Laid for Innovative Education Centre for Differently-Abled in Himachal Pradesh
Launch of the Centre of Excellence for Divyaangjans
Announces ₹50 Crore Trauma Centre at Solan Hospital
S Gopal Puri
Shimla
Today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyaangjans located in Tikri, Kandaghat, within the Solan district. This initiative represents a pivotal advancement in facilitating higher education for individuals with disabilities and is set to be the first of its kind in Himachal Pradesh, aiming to serve as a benchmark institution nationwide.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government's dedication to inclusive growth and the welfare of all societal segments. He mentioned that approximately 25 percent of the construction has already been completed. The Centre, which will occupy 45 bighas of land and is projected to cost ₹200 crore, aims to provide quality education, sports amenities, and housing for 300 differently-abled children. Additionally, a 500 kW solar power project will be established on the premises.
Sukhu elaborated on the Centre’s offerings, which will include higher education courses, special education, and skill development programs, alongside research initiatives tailored for various disabilities. A working women’s hostel, with an investment of ₹15.33 crore, will also be part of the project.
The Chief Minister outlined the ongoing support provided by the government for Divyaangjans, which includes assistive devices, financial assistance, rehabilitation services, and scholarships ranging from ₹625 to ₹3,750 monthly for students with disabilities exceeding 40 percent. Social security pensions are available between ₹1,150 and ₹1,700, with marriage grants of ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 based on disability severity.
Reflecting on past initiatives, Sukhu noted the establishment of Himachal Pradesh’s first residential special school for intellectually disabled children in Heeranagar, Shimla, which offers free education, vocational training, and hostel facilities. He also pointed out accessibility improvements such as ramps at bus stands and wheelchairs available in hospitals.
During the event, the Chief Minister announced a budget of ₹50 crore for advanced specialty services and a trauma centre at Solan Hospital, along with ₹5 crore for Civil Hospital Kandaghat and ₹1 crore for the development of a sports ground in Kandaghat. He also unveiled the 2026 calendar for Jogindra Bank.
Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil welcomed the Chief Minister to the Solan constituency and expressed appreciation for the developmental projects. Present at the event were MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Vinod Sultanpuri, Vivek Sharma, HPSIDC Vice Chairman Anurag Sharma, Solan Mayor Usha Sharma, Jogindra Bank Chairman Mukesh Sharma, Bhagat Co-operative Bank Chairman Arun Sharma, APMC Solan Chairman Roshan Thakur, ESOMSA Director Sumit Khimta, and other senior officials.