LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced a comprehensive welfare package for special children across the province. This initiative aims to improve health, education, safety, and employment opportunities for children with disabilities.
During a high-level meeting in Lahore, CM Maryam Nawaz launched a health screening program for 40,000 special children to detect diseases early and provide free treatment. She also approved the Special People Employment Program to create job opportunities and introduced the Rising Star Card to support special children’s education and finances.
Free Health Screening and Medical Treatment
A health screening program was conducted for 40,000 special children across Punjab, where doctors identified various diseases. In response, CM Maryam Nawaz has ordered free treatment for all affected students, ensuring they receive proper medical care without any financial burden on their families.
Advanced Attendance and Employment Programs
For the first time in Punjab, a facial recognition system has been introduced in special education schools to track students’ attendance accurately. Additionally, the chief minister has approved the “Special People Employment Programme”, which will help disabled individuals find jobs and become financially independent.
New Initiatives for Special Children
To further support special children, the government has approved several new programs:
- Rising Star Card: A new identity and benefits card for special children.
- Packed Meal Program: Free nutritious meals will be provided to students in special schools.
- Eidi Program: Special children will receive financial gifts during festive occasions.
- Electric Buses: Nine electric buses will be introduced to provide safe and comfortable transportation for special children.
Stronger Monitoring and Security Measures
CM Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to audit the performance of special education centers every six months. She has also asked the Special Assistant to CM (SACM) and the Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) to stay in constant contact with parents of special children.
To ensure student safety, more security cameras will be installed in schools, special centers, and buses transporting special children.
Guaranteed Budget and External Examinations
For the first time in Punjab, the government has introduced “Ring-Fencing” for the special education budget. This ensures that funds cannot be diverted to other projects.
Additionally, CM Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to develop an external examination system tailored for special children, ensuring fair assessments based on their unique needs.
Hiring Experts and Expanding Awareness
To improve the quality of education, the Punjab government plans to:
- Hire clinical psychologists and speech therapists for special children.
- Review the possibility of hiring foreign experts to bring international expertise.
- Launch an awareness campaign to increase school enrollments for special children.
New Digital and Vocational Training Programs
During a detailed briefing, SACM Sania Ashiq Jabeen revealed that a new syllabus has been created for 6,500 mentally challenged children. Additionally:
- Digital Smart Rooms will be set up in every district, where children with visual and hearing impairments can learn through touchscreen technology.
- A vocational training center will be built in each district to teach job skills to middle school students, helping them become independent.
- Special children will receive skill-based education up to the matriculation level.
Early Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
To help children with autism, the government will provide early diagnosis facilities. Experts say detecting autism in children as young as 3 years old can lead to better treatment and support.
Improved Monitoring and Sign Language Inclusion
For the first time, a monitoring system has been introduced in the Special Education Department to track progress and ensure smooth operations. Additionally:
- A special syllabus for hearing-impaired children has been created and officially approved.
- Sign language lessons will now be part of the curriculum for hearing-impaired students.
New Technology and Communication Systems
To improve communication and access to support services, the Punjab government has launched:
- A Special Education Information System for better record-keeping.
- A Special Helpline (1162) for parents and students to seek help anytime.
- A Special Education Mobile App to make information and resources easily available.
Growing Number of Special Education Centers in Punjab
Currently, 39,085 special students, including 14,567 female students, are enrolled in special education centers across Punjab. These institutions support children who are hearing-impaired, visually impaired, physically disabled, mentally challenged, or affected by autism.
To improve facilities:
- 12 autism units have been set up in special education centers.
- Autism centers have been opened in 27 divisional public schools.
- 28 special education schools are being upgraded as “Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence”.
- New school buildings have been completed in Vehari, Lodhran, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Mianwali.
- 3,450 CCTV cameras are being installed to monitor and ensure safety in special education centers.
- A “Control Room” will be set up at the provincial level to monitor all special education centers in Punjab.
CM’s Commitment to Special Children
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the government’s strong commitment to improving the lives of special children. She stated:
“It is our firm resolve to bring positive change in the lives of special children.”
She further added:
“Taking care of special children is the first and foremost duty of a welfare state.”
With these historic reforms, the Punjab government aims to create a more inclusive and supportive society for children with special needs, ensuring they receive quality education, healthcare, security, and job opportunities.
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