Delhi Government to Build Hostels for Visually Impaired College Girls in Every District

Empowering Education Through Inclusion: Delhi’s New Social Welfare Initiative

In a move aimed at strengthening inclusivity and access to higher education, the Delhi government has announced plans to set up hostels for visually impaired college girls in every district of the national capital. The announcement was made by Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh during his inspection visit to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, a Delhi government-run senior secondary residential school in Isapur village, Najafgarh.

The initiative marks a significant step toward providing safe, affordable, and accessible residential facilities for visually impaired students pursuing higher education. Singh’s announcement reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure, especially for underprivileged and differently-abled students, who often face challenges in accessing equitable opportunities.

Focus on Inclusive Education and Welfare

During his visit, Minister Singh engaged in detailed discussions with officials and local residents about various educational and welfare schemes for students. He emphasised that the government’s top priority is to ensure that students from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to quality education, safe living conditions, and holistic development opportunities.

“Education should not be a privilege—it is a right for every child, including those from underprivileged or differently-abled communities,” Singh stated during the inspection. He added that the government is committed to reviving and expanding residential facilities that had suffered from years of neglect and closure.

Reopening and Revamping Closed Hostels

Minister Singh highlighted a concerning trend — several hostels for school and college students across Delhi had been shut down in the past due to negligence by the previous administration. The closures left many students without proper accommodation, forcing them to either drop out or travel long distances to pursue their studies.

Recognising this gap, the Delhi government has now initiated a revival drive to reopen closed hostels and construct new ones across districts. Singh reaffirmed that the objective is to ensure no student is deprived of education due to lack of accommodation or safety concerns.

He noted that the government’s approach will involve renovating existing infrastructure, ensuring adequate funding, and upgrading facilities to meet modern standards of safety, accessibility, and comfort. The initiative also includes a special focus on female students and those from marginalised communities.

Spotlight on Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Isapur

The minister’s visit to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Isapur provided a backdrop to the new announcement. The institution, established to support SC, OBC, minority, and orphan students, offered free accommodation, meals, uniforms, stationery, and medical services to its residents. It was also known for its vocational training and sports facilities, promoting all-round development among students.

However, the institute faced closure in September 2024 due to the dilapidated condition of its building and lack of financial support. At the time of closure, nearly 800 students were enrolled against a total capacity of 1,200. Singh’s visit underlined the government’s resolve to revive such institutions and restore them as pillars of inclusive education in the capital.

Addressing Irregularities in Coaching Institutes

During the inspection, Minister Singh also raised concerns about irregularities in coaching institutes that were meant to prepare students for competitive exams. He pointed out that several such institutes had failed to meet educational standards and transparency requirements, depriving students—especially from economically weaker sections—of fair preparation opportunities.

The minister assured that the Social Welfare Department would take strict action against malpractice and would work to establish a regulatory framework ensuring that students receive quality coaching and career guidance in a structured, ethical environment.

New Hostels for Visually Impaired Girls: A Model of Empowerment

A highlight of the minister’s announcement was the inauguration of a hostel for visually impaired college girls in Timarpur, established during the Sewa Pakhwada initiative. This hostel serves as a model for upcoming district-level hostels, reflecting the government’s emphasis on accessibility, dignity, and safety for visually impaired students.

Singh stated, “The Delhi government’s vision is to create an education system where physical challenges do not limit aspirations. Our new hostels for visually impaired girls will ensure access to safe spaces, academic resources, and community support—empowering them to excel in higher education.”

Future Roadmap: Hostels in Every District

The Delhi government has outlined a comprehensive plan to establish one hostel for visually impaired college girls in each of Delhi’s districts. The initiative aims to reduce the urban-rural accessibility gap and offer visually impaired students a supportive environment to pursue their college education without financial or logistical barriers.

In addition, the government also plans to reopen the Sanskar Ashram in Dilshad Garden, a well-known residential institution for underprivileged children. These developments form part of a broader strategy to enhance educational infrastructure, promote inclusivity, and safeguard the rights of differently-abled students.

A Step Toward Holistic Education and Equity

The move to establish dedicated hostels across districts signals a paradigm shift in the state’s education policy, from providing basic infrastructure to creating empowering learning ecosystems. By integrating welfare, accessibility, and education, the Delhi government aims to ensure that no student is left behind, regardless of disability or financial background.

Education experts have lauded the initiative, describing it as a progressive step toward social justice and educational equality. Providing dedicated housing facilities for visually impaired students is expected to encourage higher enrolment of girls in colleges, foster independence, and create a supportive academic community across Delhi.

Conclusion

The Delhi government’s initiative to set up hostels for visually impaired college girls in every district stands as a beacon of inclusive progress in India’s education landscape. Under the leadership of Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh, the focus on reviving closed institutions, ensuring safety, and providing dignified living conditions for differently-abled students marks a transformative shift in governance priorities.