CM Lays Foundation Stone of Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyaangjans at Kandaghat, Announces Rs. 50 Crore Trauma Centre for Solan Hospital.
Kandaghat/Solan:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyaangjans at Tikri in Kandaghat, Solan district, marking a significant step towards inclusive education and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Himachal Pradesh. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced an allocation of Rs. 50 crore for establishing a state-of-the-art trauma centre and advanced specialty healthcare facilities at Solan Hospital.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state government has effectively implemented several ambitious schemes aimed at providing social security and empowerment to vulnerable sections of society, particularly Divyaangjans. He stated that the Centre of Excellence would promote higher education among specially-abled individuals and reflects the government’s strong resolve towards inclusive development. He added that this would be the first such centre in Himachal Pradesh and would serve as a model for the entire country.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government remains fully committed to the welfare and inclusive growth of every section of society. He informed that the foundation stone has been laid at a stage when nearly 25 percent of the construction work has already been completed, ensuring speedy execution of the project.
The Centre of Excellence will be established on 45 bighas of land at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 crore. Directing the authorities, the Chief Minister said that the first phase of the project should be completed by October this year. The institution will provide quality education, sports facilities, and residential accommodation for 300 differently-abled children. A 500 kW solar power project will also be installed on the campus to promote clean and sustainable energy.
CM Sukhu said that the Centre will offer courses in higher education, special education, and skill development for persons with disabilities. Research and development activities will also be undertaken, keeping in view the nature and severity of various disabilities. Under the institution, a working women’s hostel will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 15.33 crore.
Highlighting various welfare measures for Divyaangjans, the Chief Minister said that the government provides assistive devices, financial assistance, rehabilitation services, education, and skill development opportunities. Students with more than 40 percent disability are given monthly scholarships ranging from Rs. 625 to Rs. 3,750, while social security pensions range between Rs. 1,150 and Rs. 1,700. He also informed that marriage grants of Rs. 25,000 are provided to persons with 40 to 74 percent disability, and Rs. 50,000 to those with more than 75 percent disability.
Recalling past initiatives, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh’s first residential special school for intellectually disabled children was established at Heeranagar, Shimla, where children aged 6 to 18 years receive free education, vocational training, and hostel facilities. He added that the government has also ensured accessibility measures such as ramps at bus stands and wheelchair facilities in hospitals and other public institutions.
Assuring continued support, CM Sukhu said that the government would keep working with full commitment for the welfare of Divyaangjans, enabling them to integrate into mainstream society and become self-reliant.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced Rs. 5 crore for Civil Hospital Kandaghat and Rs. 1 crore for the development of a sports ground in Kandaghat. He further released the 2026 calendar of Jogindra Bank.
Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil welcomed the Chief Minister to the Solan Assembly constituency and expressed gratitude for bringing multiple development projects to the region. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives for the upliftment of weaker sections of society.
Among those present were MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Vinod Sultanpuri, and Vivek Sharma, HPSIDC Vice Chairman Anurag Sharma, Mayor Solan Municipal Corporation Usha Sharma, Chairman Jogindra Bank Mukesh Sharma, Chairman Bhagat Cooperative Bank Arun Sharma, Chairman APMC Solan Roshan Thakur, Sumit Khimta, Director ESOMSA, and other senior officials.
