Punjab Makes History: Becomes the First State in the Country to Launch a ‘Skill Development Program’ for Children in Observation and Special Homes,
-211 children to receive vocational training in the first phase; new avenues for employment and self-reliance to open up.
-A child’s future will be determined not by their past, but by their hard work and determination: MLA Sekhon.
Faridkot, June 24: In a historic initiative aimed at transforming the lives of children in need, Punjab has become the first state in the country to launch a systematic ‘Skill Development Program’ for children residing in observation homes and special homes. Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, shared this information today during the formal inauguration of the program at a Child Care Institution (Observation Home for Boys) in Faridkot. Faridkot MLA S. Gurdit Singh Sekhon and Deputy Commissioner Sh. Rahul Chaba were also specially present on this occasion. A framework tailored to the children’s needs: Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur explained that the program’s outline has been designed keeping the children’s specific needs in mind. For children in observation homes—who are there for temporary care, protection, and rehabilitation—the training will focus primarily on discipline, self-confidence, counseling support, and livelihood skills. For children in special homes, skill training will be linked to long-term rehabilitation plans to facilitate their reintegration into the mainstream of society. Details of the training provided in the first phase: During this initial phase, 211 children (approximately 50%) out of a total of 420 children across four state-run Child Care Institutions will receive training aligned with the demands of the emerging job market:
Name of Institution | Number of Children | Allocated Course/Training
Observation Home, Faridkot | 36 children | Hairdresser and Stylist Course
Observation Home, Ludhiana | 85 children | 56 children: ‘Hairdresser and Stylist’; 29 children: ‘Smartphone Assembly Technician’
Observation & Special Homes, Hoshiarpur | 90 children | 30 children (Special Home): ‘Hairdresser and Stylist’; 30: ‘Multi-skill Technician’; 30: ‘Hairdresser’ Course
“The government has provided a ladder to progress; now, the children must move forward with dedication.”
MLA Sekhon during the event:
MLA S. Gurditt Singh Sekhon encouraged the children to pursue their education alongside learning vocational skills. He stated that no skill is too small or too big. The Punjab government has provided the children with a ladder to progress; now, climbing it and moving forward depends on the children’s own dedication. A child’s future is defined not by their past, but by their skills, hard work, and determination.
“Financial and administrative support to be provided after training.” Deputy Commissioner Sh. Rahul Chaba boosted the children’s morale, stating that they could improve their futures through hard work. He assured them that certificates would be awarded to all children upon completion of the training. Furthermore, he promised that if they needed financial assistance to start their own businesses or startups in the future, the district administration would provide all possible support. Dignitaries Present:
Several dignitaries were present at the historic inauguration, including District Program Officer Ratandeep Sandhu, Deputy Director of the Employment Department Gurtej Singh, District Child Protection Officer Amandeep Singh Sodhi, Superintendent Kanwaljit Singh, AAP leader Neetu Kapoor, Vijay Kumar (Skill Development), and District Guidance Counsellor Jasbir Singh.
Report: Alexander D’Souza, Faridkot.
