Minister launches ‘Naviyan Rahan’ project

Patiala, July 9

To address the issue of school absenteeism and dropout rates, the district administration has initiated the ‘Naviyan Rahan’ project. The project was officially launched by Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh. At a ceremony held at the District Administration Complex, Dr Balbir Singh and Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray distributed 22 e-rickshaws to women from self-help groups. The DC said the e-rickshaws, purchased for Rs 26 lakh, aim to facilitate the transportation of children to school.

Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray said under the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the National Urban Livelihood Mission, the e-rickshaws would serve 12 schools across six blocks in the district’s rural and urban slum areas. He said the initiative would not only provide a livelihood for the women but also support the education of 400 children. Additionally, bamboo schools have been established for 160 children in Dhablan and Masingan to ensure that the children of kiln workers receive an education.

ADC (Rural Development) Dr Harjinder Singh Bedi expressed gratitude to all contributors and stated that this project would significantly benefit children deprived of school education, especially those in slums.