HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has announced increased financial support for the Donyi-Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired in Itanagar, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive education in Arunachal Pradesh.
The announcement was made during a workshop on ‘Let’s Speak Arunachal’ held at the school, themed ‘Empowering Youth Voices and Building Pathways’, according to an official statement.
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Addressing students and attendees, the Deputy CM announced that the school’s annual grant-in-aid would be enhanced from ₹1.4 crore to ₹2 crore.
Additionally, a ₹5 crore corpus fund would be allocated for the institution to support its long-term sustainability.
Both provisions will be incorporated into the upcoming State Annual Budget for the next financial year.
Established in 1990, the school provides free education, therapy, and skill development to children with hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities.
Remembering the school’s founder and former chief minister Gegong Apang, Mein lauded the institution’s role in empowering children with disabilities and affirmed the state government’s continued support for its functioning.
In a gesture to promote the vocational skills of the students, Mein directed his office to procure paper gift bags made by the students using recycled waste, appreciating their creativity and self-reliance.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the workshop, Mein underlined the importance of effective communication, especially for youth development.
He emphasised the need to equip young minds with public speaking and expression skills to build confidence and leadership.
He also commended Porsum Ori, founder of the ‘Let’s Speak Arunachal’ initiative, and Secretary Tana Jiri for conducting workshops across schools in the state and offering training in public speaking.
He termed the initiative a meaningful step toward nurturing confident and articulate youth.
The event was also attended by Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs and Social Justice & Tribal Affairs, Abu Tayeng; Director of Youth Affairs, Ramesh Linggi; Principal Aravinda Dey; faculty members, students, and parents.
