Shivalik Vikas Manch State President and former Chairman, Vijay Bansal, accused the Haryana BJP-JJP coalition government of neglecting Panchkula district, alleging a lack of consideration for mute and handicapped children.
He criticised the closure of a middle school in Panchkula Sector 16, forcing parents to send their disabled children to schools in distant locations or opt for more expensive private schools in Chandigarh. Bansal sent a memorandum to the Governor and the Chief Minister of Haryana, urging the reopening of the school and the elevation of Raipur Rani Primary School to middle school status.
According to Bansal, the Haryana Hearing and Speech Disabled Welfare Committee ran a total of seven schools, including one for disabled children in Panchkula Sector 16. However, the Panchkula school was closed, compelling disabled children to travel to Karnal or attend costly schools in Chandigarh.
Bansal emphasized that the economically weak population in the Shivalik region struggles to afford education for their children in distant or private schools. He called for the reopening of the Panchkula middle school and the provision of education for disabled children in Raipur Rani.
Bansal revealed that land was allocated in Panchkula Sector 16 by the Haryana Development Authority for a school for disabled children. The government, through the Haryana Hearing and Speech Disabled Welfare Committee, opened a school up to class 5 in 2004, later upgraded to class 8 in 2015.
However, in 2018, the school›s status was downgraded to class 5, and it was abruptly closed on September 30, 2021.
Bansal criticized the committee for ignoring the terms and conditions of the land allotment, converting the school building into its headquarters, and starting professional courses after closing the school. He highlighted the unique role of this middle school as the only institution for disabled children within a 150-kilometer radius.
Bansal underscored that the government›s responsibility is to provide essential facilities, including schools, colleges, hospitals, and employment opportunities. He criticized the BJP government for shirking these responsibilities, particularly in ensuring the education of disabled children.