Chief Secretary Mr B.R. Sharma today visited Educational cum Vocational School for children with hearing and speech impairment at Shahidi Chowk Jammu and reviewed the facilities being provided to the children .Director School Education Smita Sethi, Director Social Welfare Veerji Hangloo accompanied the Chief Secretary during the visit .The School being run by an NGO J&K Kalyan Kendra provides free education and vocational training to the students upto Secondary School level.
The Chief Secretary inspected the classrooms and interacted with the staff and students .He was apprised of the functioning of the institution and issues pertaining to improving facilities for the students . Mr Sharma, while responding to the projected demands, instructed Director Social Welfare Department to examine the possibilities of providing assistance to the institution and students under the Social Welfare schemes. He asked to come up with a tangible plan so that benefits of applicable schemes can be extended to the students .
Chief Secretary directed Director School Education to depute more staff in the school and ensure they are adequately trained to teach the students with special needs .He also asked her to discuss the matter with State project Director SSA to check out feasibility of developing facilities in the school .Directions were also also given for organizing a medical camp in the school so that students with less impairments are provided vocational training in other courses also.While appreciating the organization for making a valuable contribution in empowering these specially abled children, the Chief Secretary said that it is imperative that these children are provided conducive environment to nurture their talent and are provided equal growth opportunities. Earlier, President Samaj Kalyan Kendra, K.B. Jandial, general Secretary, JK Vaid and other office bearers briefed the Chief Secretary about the functioning of the school and demands for betterment of the school .They sought government assistance and philanthropic contributions towards the noble cause .