Make SIRTAR a Role Model for the State: Krishan Kumar Bedi

Chandigarh, September 3: Haryana Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that the State Institute of Rehabilitation, Training and Research (SIRTAR) should be developed as a role model for the state so that children with disabilities can be made fully self-reliant and independent, while also providing their parents with greater peace of mind.

The Minister was chairing the 8th meeting of the Governing Body of the State Institute of Rehabilitation, Training and Research (SIRTAR), Rohtak, on Thursday. Additional Chief Secretary Dr. G. Anupama, Commissioner, Rohtak Division, Smt. Monika Malik, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Director Sh. Ajay Kumar, along with several senior officers, were present at the meeting.

The Minister also approved five new courses for the institute in accordance with the National Education Policy. These include the Basic Braille Literacy and Language Training Programme, Parent and Caregiver Training Programme, Early Identification, Intervention and Support Training Programme, Orientation Programme on Behavior Modification, and Orientation Programme in Basic Indian Sign Language.

He said these are highly important programmes through which children with disabilities who face difficulties in mobility and speech are provided training to help them become self-reliant.

Sh. Bedi directed that the institute should operate in two shifts and that special awareness campaigns should be conducted to encourage the maximum possible number of children to enroll at the institute. Particular emphasis should be placed on creating awareness among parents so that they come forward and enroll children with disabilities who require such services.

The Minister said that the primary objective of the institute is to provide rehabilitation to children in need. He directed officials to make better arrangements so that needy children can access greater opportunities. He also directed the Commissioner, Rohtak Division, to play a leading role in conducting special awareness campaigns for parents.

He approved the proposal to procure a mobile therapy van to ensure easy access to therapy services for children with special needs and beneficiaries in rural and remote areas. He also approved the proposal for setting up smart classrooms for children with disabilities at the institute.

Sh. Bedi said that the Director of the institute should take a keen interest in securing the future of children with disabilities. He said this would also provide a sense of personal fulfilment. He further directed that a comprehensive post-training action plan should be prepared for children who have no parents or guardians, so that they can lead dignified and comfortable lives after completing their training.

He informed the meeting about the Harihar Yojana introduced by former Chief Minister and Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal for orphaned and destitute children. He directed officials to formulate a similar action plan for children with disabilities after completion of their training, which could prove to be a boon for them.

He said that the next meeting of the Governing Body would be held at the Rohtak institute itself on October 16. He also informed that all activities of the institute, along with details of all students, are displayed on the institute's website.

The meeting was also attended by Institute Director Sh. Narender Kumar, Deputy Director Vishal Saini, and officers from the Employment Department, Finance Department and several other departments.