GUWAHATI: Setting a new pathway for empowerment of the differently able youth of the state, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of the first ever Industrial Training Institute (ITI) of the country exclusively for the Dibyangans (differently abled people) at Dibrugarh ITI Complex at Borboruah in Dibrugarh district today.
The ITI will be set up in the vacant space of ITI, Dibrugarh measuring about 5 bigha land with an expenditure of Rs 5.5 crore in first phase of construction. The building will be constructed as per special needs of the differently abled people. The ITI will have sixty seats for three different trades with 20 seats per trade as per prescribed guidelines of National Council for Vocational Training. The trades will include Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, Cutting and Sewing Technology and Hair & Skin Care. There will be separate hostel facilities for boys and girls within the campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed the initiative as a historic moment and a true manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Lakshya Antyodaya, Path Antyodaya”
“The ITI for the dibyangans shows our commitment to empower the weakest of the weak of the 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 enable the differently abled youth a better chance for dignified livelihood.
“Unless and until we facilitate an environment for growth for the differently abled citizens and make them equal partners in nation building, a totally inclusive society could not be achieved”, Sonowal added.
Lauding the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission for its endeavour to create a skilled human resource, Sonowal said this ITI for dibyangans will pave the way for more such efforts to bring the differently abled people in the mainstream of the society. The Chief Minister also informed that Rs. 250 crore budget provision has been made to provide one-time financial assistance to 4.5 lakh dibyangans of the state during 2017-18.
Stating that Assam and the north-east is at the forefront of central government’s development agenda, Sonowal stated that rapid progress has been made in recent times in Assam and investment of around Rs. 6500 crore have been recorded and job avenues for 40,000 unemployed youth have been created. He also mentioned that work for seven new bridges over River Brahmaputra will start soon and doubling of railway track has already started.