Societymust be sensitive toward differently-abled children:

Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat today said the societyshould be sensitive toward differently-abled children and officials concerned must make regular visit to centres and ashrams to ensure their welfare.

"The society has to be more sensitive toward these children. Frequent interaction will instill confidence in them and generate feeling of equality," he said at the Annual General Meeting of the HP State Child Welfare Council at the Raj Bhawan here.

He said serving mankind was true service and equal opportunities should be provided to every child for optimum development of their potential.

"Children in Ashrams should be provided with all modern facilities which other children get at their home," the Governor said, adding helping these children would be true service to humanity and religion.
 

Appreciating efforts of the council and the department, Devvrat said welfare schemes were being implemented through various institutions like schools, ashrams, balwaries and creches but there should be coordination among stakeholders.

He suggested that local committees under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners should be constituted to ensure proper functioning of institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said differently-abled children should be given vocational training in trades they are interested in rather than imposing things on them.

The children should be provided training for making them employable in the field they desire, he said.

"The government is also providing financial assistance to differently-abled children, who are enrolled in ITIs," the Chief Minister said.

Singh directed officials to speed-up construction work of an additional building of an orphanage at Mashobra and make surprise visits to Bal Ashrams, orphanages and old age homes in the state.

The government is implementing various schemes for their welfare. There 28 observation homes and three open shelters in the state, he informed.