Encourage minority students to avail scholarship benefits: ADM to officials

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) LR Verma chaired a district-level review meeting on the Prime Minister’s new 15-point programme for minorities, emphasising inclusive growth and welfare initiatives for Sirmaur district’s minority communities. With a total population of 5,29,855, minorities constitute 53,025 residents, accounting for approximately 10.01 per cent of the district’s population.

The District Rural Development Agency reported progress on infrastructure projects for special schools designed for Gujjar community children in Katapathar and Chhalluwala. Each centre, estimated at Rs 9.7 lakh, has received approval from the Assistant Engineer, Rural Development and construction is set to begin as soon as land is allocated.

To promote Urdu education, the Education and Welfare Departments committed to visiting schools in Kala Amb, Paonta Sahib and Puruwala to address teacher recruitment and deployment needs for both primary and high schools.

The Primary Education Department revealed a low participation rate in minority scholarships, with only eight out of 80 eligible students applying. ADM Verma instructed the department to proactively identify and encourage more minority students to participate in the scholarship programme.

Non-governmental member Sanjay Singh raised concerns about the upkeep of the Christian cemetery. In response, the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council confirmed that an inspection has been conducted and repair estimates are ready to be presented for approval at an upcoming district-level meeting.

In a separate meeting of the District Disability Committee, ADM Verma addressed accessibility challenges faced by disabled individuals in public transport. He directed the Regional Transport Officer to consult higher authorities about the feasibility of installing ramps or alternative arrangements for buses with high steps.

The Local Level Committee, headed by District Welfare Officer Vivek Arora, approved two proposals for legal guardianship under its jurisdiction. Jengo Gelo and Sudama, both identified as specially-abled individuals, will now be under the guardianship of the president of Astha Welfare Society, Nahan.