Post News Network
Binjharpur, Sept 21: Mirza Ayub Baig, a physically challenged person, had set up an industrial training centre for differently-abled minors in Nuagaon in this block of Jajpur district to enable them to join the mainstream.
However, Sharireeka Akhyama Shiban Shilpa Prashikhyana Kendra, the 30-year-old institution is yet to get government assistance. What baffles Baig is that more than 50 such institutions, set up much later than his institution, have already earned the recognition.
More than 40 deaf and mute children receive vocational training in typewriting, tailoring and other trades apart from formal
education at this centre which was set up April 1, 1985. Though the centre has not received government affiliation, Baig takes utmost care to abide by all government guidelines. The students are given cooked food and snacks daily while non-vegetarian food is served twice to thrice a week.
Baig said the centre has its own building and he managed to get some good trainers.
When asked about his funding sources, Baig gave all credit to locals for satiating the hunger of his students. Everyday some one or the other from the village chips in with grocery items to keep the institution’s kitchen warm, he said, expressing gratitude to the Almighty.
Interestingly, though Baig is a devout Muslim, all students at his centre are Hindus and observe festivals like Ganesh Puja, Saraswati Puja and other festivals with pomp. Baig moves around 12 hours a day to arrange food for the students who receive their training from skillful experts.
Keshilata Sethy, who imparts training in tailoring, is also differently-able. Prakash Das, another trainer of the centre said, “It is difficult to teach the students with impairment but once properly trained, they can leave behind other students.”
Officials have inspected the centre, which is the first of its kind in the district, twice to grant funds under government rules. Though he approached the officials and sought financial assistance from the administration on several occasions, it is yet to bear results, Baig rued.
District collector Satya Kumar Mallik said the administration would extend all help if the centre is found to have fulfilled the required criteria.
Mihir Kumar Jena, a senior member of the child protection unit said a letter has been sent to the secretary and commissioner of women and child welfare department seeking aid for the centre.