State govt set to establish dedicated college for specially-abled students, says minister
Siliguri: The Bengal government is set to establish a dedicated college for specially-abled students, aiming to provide greater access to higher education for them. An area in Baraipur, near Barasat, has been selected for the project. The announcement was made by Siddiqullah Choudhury, minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services, during a Press conference at the State Guest House on Tuesday, Siliguri. He stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already given the green signal to proceed with the institution.
“We, along with several organisations, have been educating around 17,000 to 18,000 specially-abled students up to class 12. However, most of them are not getting opportunities for higher education. There is no special college for such students anywhere in the country.
Therefore, we have decided to set up an exclusive college for them. Work will begin soon after a survey with officials,” the Minister said.
On Tuesday, the minister also held a review meeting with departmental officials regarding the upcoming book fair and other library-related matters. During the meeting, the plans for the college were discussed.
Choudhury announced that this year’s state book fair will begin on November 24 and continue till January 21, 2026, across all districts. The fair will be inaugurated in Darjeeling, with each district hosting the event for seven days. In Siliguri, the fair will be held from December 25 to 31 at Baghajatin Park.
New guidelines have been issued for the event. Books related to community or caste discrimination, those against national values, or those that may hurt religious sentiments will not be permitted at the fair. Sellers found stocking such material will not be allotted stalls, the minister warned.
Last year, books worth Rs 13.48 crore were sold, with 21.5 lakh visitors attending the fair. This year, the department has set a target of Rs 20 crore in sales and expects around 25 lakh visitors.
