Union Minister launches projects at NIEPMD

Dr Thaawarchhand Gehlot inaugurated a Special School Education building and also conducted bhoomi puja for the construction of Nambikkai Bhavan, an SC/ST beneficiary hostel and family cottage, and for the construction of a barrier free waiting lobby and dining area. 

Stating that Rs 20.78 crore has been allocated for the construction of the Nambikkai Bhavan, officials at the Institute said that the building will consist of a students’ hostel, a hostel for research scholars, a gymnasium with various recreational facilities, a library, dining facility, amenities for conducting seminars and conferences and also provisions for families to stay for short periods. 

He said that the Human Resource Development block of the Special Education Department with 25 rooms will be used to facilitate the special education teacher-education programmes and for conducting researches in the field. Being built at a cost of Rs 3.17 crore, it will serve to meet the immediate requirements of the Department of Special Education, hoping to produce over 200 special educational professionals from across the country each year.. 

The Minister, on Friday, also flagged off an accessible bus for individuals with multiple disabilities which is probably the first-of-its-kind. An official said that the bus, which cost Rs 24 lakh, will have facilities for the special seating of 39 persons with disabilities and four persons who use wheelchairs. 

Besides, he said that the bus will soon serve as a model for other institutions to works towards making transport easy for persons with disabilities. It may be noted that an Accessible Special Utility area too will be built for the beneficiaries of the institute and  their parents at the cost of Rs 31.70 lakh.