Inquiry into denial of hostel to physically challenged girls : Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Sudripta Roy today ordered an inquiry into denial of hostel facility to 19 physically challenged girls in Portmore government girls senior secondary school here.

"I have asked Director Education Dinkar Burathoki to look into the matter and submit a report in 24 hours," he said.

The nine hearing impaired and ten visually challenged girls would be given admission in the girl's hostel, the state official said.

"We will have to work out a system for their proper care so they don't face any inconvenience," Roy said.

The action was taken on a letter sent by an NGO, Umang Foundation which claimed that 19 girls were denied hostel accommodation in the school and threatened to move the court as it was violation of Right to Education Act which provided for inclusion education of physically challenged children.

The girls were admitted in the school in Class XI and XII few days back, but bring outsiders they needed hostel accommodation.

Chairman of Umang Foundation Ajay Srivastava had asked the chief secretary to intervene and take prompt action into the matter.

Roy ordered an inquiry and said the matter would be raised in the next meeting of Cabinet to work out a plan to provide adequate facilities to the girls.

"We do require a care taker for them as they cannot be left to fend for themselves and would welcome any support from some NGO or the welfare department," Roy said.

Ajay Srivastava, when contacted, said the foundation can make provision for the special educator for the hearing impaired girls.


Source : Business Standard , Via PT..I  ( 12th April 2013 )