Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi inaugurates renovated multipurpose hall at SIRTAR in Rohtak
Integrating Children with Special Needs into Mainstream Society Is a Government Priority: Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi
Efforts should be made to provide employment and self-reliance opportunities to students trained at the institute: Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi
Chandigarh,
Haryana Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare, and Antyodaya, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, said that children with special needs are valuable assets to society and the state. With proper guidance, training, encouragement and opportunities, they can be integrated into the mainstream of society. The government’s objective is not merely to provide facilities to persons with disabilities but also to develop their abilities and enable them to lead independent and dignified lives.
The Minister was addressing a gathering on Friday at the inauguration of the renovated multipurpose hall of the State Institute for Rehabilitation, Training and Research (SIRTAR) in Rohtak.
Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that SIRTAR has been playing a significant role for a long time in the training, rehabilitation and skill development of children with special needs and persons with disabilities. The courses offered by the institute, including http://D.Ed. Special Education (IDD), http://B.Ed. Special Education (ID), http://M.Ed. Special Education (ID), Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology, and Certificate Programme in Community-Based Inclusive Development, are contributing to the development of skilled human resources in the fields of special education and rehabilitation.
He said that serious consideration must be given to the future, employment and livelihood arrangements of children after they complete their education. It is essential to ensure that they continue to receive appropriate care, a safe environment and opportunities to lead independent lives. The government and the institute will work together to develop an effective plan in this direction. He added that no eligible person should face any difficulty in accessing the benefits of government schemes.
The Minister also stressed the need to review arrangements for food quality, hygiene, healthcare, safety and daily care of children residing at the institute. He said that any possibility of negligence or abuse involving children must be treated seriously. The institute’s officers and employees must care for the children with sensitivity, dedication and a humane approach. He made it clear that resolving the problems of everyone associated with the institute is the department’s responsibility, and that all relevant issues should be brought to the department’s notice in writing.
Keeping the festive season in mind, Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi also distributed essential winter clothing to the children. He said that such items should be distributed with dignity and a sense of belonging. Appreciating the contribution of Class IV and non-teaching employees who provide services throughout the day, he also directed officials to make appropriate arrangements for their encouragement and support before Diwali.
He said that caring for and developing children with disabilities requires greater sensitivity and efforts beyond routine arrangements. Even the smallest problem at the institute should be addressed to ensure a safe, positive and encouraging environment for the children.
SIRTAR Plays a Key Role in Addressing the Shortage of Special Educators: Dr. G. Anupama
Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. G. Anupama, said that SIRTAR is an important specialised institution in the state, with the objective of developing trained human resources in the field of special education. This makes the institute’s role even more significant.
She said that many children with special needs can study in regular schools when provided with appropriate support, guidance and a conducive environment. They can also become part of mainstream society and lead their lives with confidence. The children’s cultural performances and activities demonstrated their talent, creativity and abilities.
She also emphasised the need to upgrade the institute’s infrastructure, fill vacant posts and ensure the availability of essential specialists, including speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
The Additional Chief Secretary urged the institute’s officials to prepare and submit proposals for infrastructure upgradation so that efforts could be made to develop SIRTAR into one of the leading institutions at the national level. She said that all officers and employees must work with a spirit of teamwork and service, keeping the all-round development of children as their highest priority.
Director of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Kumar, SIRTAR Principal A.D. Paswan, Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Satbir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar, and several other distinguished persons were present on the occasion.