Assam sets benchmark with first ITI for differently-abled

From A Correspondent

Dibrugarh, Oct 3: Setting a new benchmark vis-à-vis empowerment of the differently-abled, Assam on Tuesday became the first State in the country to set up an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) exclusively for the differently-abled.

Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of the first ever ITI for the differently-abled in the country at Dibrugarh ITI complex at Borboruah in Dibrugarh district. 

The ITI will be set up at a vacant space within Dibrugarh ITI complex, measuring 5 bighas of land with an expenditure of Rs 5.5 crore in the first phase of construction. The building will be constructed as per special needs of the differently-abled.

The ITI will have 60 seats for three different trades with 20 seats per trade as per prescribed guidelines of tiol Council for Vocatiol Training. The 3 trades are computer operator and programming assistant, cutting & sewing technology and hair & skin care. There will be separate hostel facilities for boys and girls within the campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal termed the initiative a historic moment and a true manifestation of Prime Minister rendra Modi’s vision of “Lakshya Antyodaya, Path Antyodaya”.

“The ITI for divyangans shows our commitment to empower the weakest of the weak in society and giving them a life of dignity,” Sonowal said. He also vowed to build the new ITI as a model institution for all other ITIs to follow.

The Chief Minister further said that more trades will be added in the ITI in near future and seat capacity will also be increased to give differently-abled youths a better opportunity for dignified livelihood.

“Unless and until we facilitate an environment for growth of the differently-abled citizens and make them equal partners in tion building, a totally inclusive society cannot be achieved,” Sonowal added.

Lauding the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission for its endeavour to create skilled human resource, Sonowal said this ITI for dibyangans will pave the way for more such efforts to bring the differently-abled into the mainstream of society.

The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that a Rs 250-crore budget provision has been made to provide one-time fincial assistance to 4.5 lakh dibyangans of the State in 2017-18.

Stating that Assam and the Northeast as a whole is at the forefront of the Central government’s development agenda, Sonowal stated that rapid progress has been made in recent times in Assam and investment of around Rs 6,500 crore have been recorded and job avenues for 40,000 unemployed youths created.

He also mentioned that work for 7 new bridges over the Brahmaputra will start soon while doubling of railway track has already started.

He also highlighted the State government’s zero tolerance approach against graft and mentioned that anti-corruption drives would be unleashed in more vigorous manner in the days to come.

Industries & Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Lok Sabha MP Rameswar Teli, MLAs Prashanta Phukan, Ritupar Baruah, Binod Hazarika, Chakradhar Gogoi and Sanjay Kishan, Housing Board Vice Chairman Subhas Dutta, Assam Skill Development Mission Maging Director AP Tiwari, Director of Labour & Employment Rituraj Bora and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.