PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has improved facilities at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Hostel in Dehradun, where around 100 needy children will get a safe place to live and study, officials said on Thursday. A 10 KVA solar power plant has been installed on the hostel roof and about 10 coolers have been provided for the rooms.
The facilities are being developed on the directions of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as communicated by MDDA vice-chairman Banshidhar Tiwari. “The project aims to provide children from weak social and economic backgrounds with a safe environment, education and proper care,” Tiwari said.
The hostel will accommodate children between six and 18 years of age. It will include orphans, children from families with very low incomes, children with disabilities, those from minority communities and other disadvantaged groups. Children involved in waste picking or begging and those requiring special care will also be covered.
Tiwari said a new hall is also proposed at the hostel. The tender process for its construction has started. The hall will be used for educational programmes, meetings and group activities.
MDDA secretary Mohan Singh Barnia said the authority was focusing on facilities that directly benefit children. He said the aim was to create a safe and comfortable environment where children could focus on their education and become self-reliant.
