Delhi to set up district-wise hostels for visually impaired girls pursuing higher education

The Delhi government will establish hostels for visually impaired college girls in every district to strengthen inclusive higher education and student welfare, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh announced on Nov 6.

Singh made the announcement while inspecting the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, a Delhi government senior secondary residential school in Isapur village, Najafgarh.

During the visit, he met with officials and local residents to review educational and residential welfare schemes for students.

"The previous government's negligence led to the closure of several hostels for school and college students across Delhi in the past," Singh said.

He asserted that he had discovered irregularities in coaching centers designed to prepare students for competitive exams.

A government statement said the Isapur residential school was established to support students from SC, OBC, minority, and orphan backgrounds by providing free accommodation, meals, uniforms, stationery, and medical facilities.

The institute also offered vocational training and sports programs aimed at the holistic development of its students.

The statement noted that the school was closed in September 2024 because of the poor condition of the building and insufficient financial support.

Despite the school's capacity of 1,200, it only enrolled around 800 students at the time of closure.

During his visit, Singh emphasized that the government’s priority is to ensure quality education and a secure residential environment for children from economically and socially disadvantaged sections.

He said the administration is taking steps to reopen defunct hostels and construct new ones to meet the growing demand.

Singh added that a hostel for visually impaired college girls was recently inaugurated in Timarpur as part of the Sewa Pakhwada initiative.

He further said the government plans to reopen the Sanskar Ashram in Dilshad Garden and establish one hostel in each of Delhi’s districts.