Guv pays surprise visit to Nari Sadan, spl school; warns staff

Himachal Preadesh Governor Acharya Devvrat today made a suprise visit to Nari Sewa Sadan and Special School for Blind Deaf and Dumb Children here after receiving reports of "pathetic" condition of inmates in these shelter homes.
The Governor also pulled up the staff at these homes and cautioned them that "laxity on their part" would not be tolerated in future, Raj Bhawan officials said.
The visit of the Governor was kept a "guarded secret" as he went without the Pilot and siren, as also the Raj Bhawan staff were unaware of his destination.
Devvrat's decision to make a surprise visit at Nari Sewa Sadan in Mashobra and Special School for Blind Deaf and Dumb Children at Dhalli near Shimla was taken after the Chairman of Umang Foundation, Ajay Srivastav, gave information about the pathetic condition of inmates at these homes, officials said.

Srivastav, whose public welfare trust fights for the rights of the disabled, also accompanied the Governor.
The Governor inspected the homes and had one-to-one talk with the inmates.

He asked the staff and even his own staff to remain out when he had an interaction with the inmates and asked them to come out with their problems without any fear.
Apparently unhappy with the conditions of the inmates, the Governor pulled up the staff and cautioned them that laxity on their party would not be brooked in future, the officials said.
He also expressed concern over the poor sanitary conditions and asked the staff to properly follow the diet chart and abide by the prescribed guidelines, they said.

Governor said that separate shelter homes should be set up for mentally retarded or sick women, and they should have access to counselling and proper treatment.
Devvrat also asked the staff to be compassionate and sensitive in dealing with the inmates, and said that arrangements should be made for recreational facilities like music, magazines besides yoga, meditation etc, the officials said.
They should also get opportunities for outdoor activities, and cultural programmes should also be organised for them, the Governor said.
Further, job-oriented modern vocational training courses should be started for the children of Blind Deaf and Dumb Children at Dhalli, the Governor said.