Gautam inspects schools for hearing and speech impaired children

NEW DELHI: Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Gautam conducted a two-day surprise visit of some schools for hearing and speech impaired children, to find out the conditions in these institutions.

On Wednesday, Gautam visited one such school in Nehru Vihar, to find that it was suffering from staff shortage and poor infrastructure. The minister, accompanied by senior officials of the department, directed a probe into these issues.

During the visits, Gautam found that these schools are facing more than 30 per cent shortage of staff. Sources explained that the minister and officials of the Social Welfare department have decided to discuss the issue with the Education department. In the discussion, the officials and the minister will explain problems regarding staff shortage and will request them to solve this.

Moreover, Gautam found that proper medical facilities were not available in these schools. He assured authorities that this will be provided without any further delay.

Another problem the schools were found to have was infrastructure, i.e. poor condition of classrooms, hostels and toilets. Many students stay in the hostels within the school's premises, and Gautam saw the poor condition of beds, floors and water availability in the hostel.

He also discussed the issues with the students personally and noted the regular discomfort they face due to lack of infrastructure.

The administration, once again, blamed staff shortage. According to sources the facelift and construction work of these schools will start within this month. The minister asked the authorities to ensure that every student gets medical aid and good food at the school.