Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120452540300.htm

Other States - Haryana

A ray of hope for the disabled

Special Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory, Chandigarh S.F. Rodrigues on Wednesday launched two landmark projects – ‘Aasha Kiran - a Ray of Hope’ (vocational training Centre for the differently-abled) and ‘Ashreya’ – a home where the mentally-challenged having parents unable to work, would live with comfort, convenience and dignity.

Launching the two projects on the World Disability Day, General Rodrigues said that the emphasis was on empowerment and creation of an ‘inclusive and barrier- free society’ and securing all rights of disabled persons in a practical way.

Gen. Rodrigues asked the UT Home Secretary to issue a directive that all government and public dealing buildings must be made ‘physically challenged people-friendly’ by introducing necessary facilities in the next two months. He also announced a project of allotting sites and booths to eligible people--- both poor and disabled.

Ashreya was constructed at a cost of Rs. 35 lakh and Aasha Kiran at Rs. 3 crore.