Arunachal Deputy CM Announces ₹2 Crore Grant, ₹5 Crore Corpus for School for Differently-Abled Students

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, on Friday, made a significant announcement to boost the welfare of differently-abled children by increasing financial support for the Donyi Polo Mission School for Hearing and Visually Impaired. He declared that the annual grant-in-aid to the school would be raised from ₹1.4 crore to ₹2 crore. In addition to this, a dedicated ₹5 crore corpus fund will be created to ensure the school’s long-term financial sustainability and continued operation.

This announcement was made during a workshop organized under the “Let’s Speak Arunachal” initiative, themed “Empowering Youth Voices and Building Pathways.” The event took place at the Donyi Polo Mission School itself, providing a direct platform to showcase the institution’s impact and needs. Deputy CM Mein confirmed that both the enhanced grant and the proposed corpus fund would be included in the upcoming state budget, signaling the government’s long-term commitment to supporting inclusive education.

Founded in 1990 by former Chief Minister Gegong Apang, the Donyi Polo Mission School has long served as a pioneering institution offering free education, therapy, and vocational training to students with hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities. Over the decades, the school has played a crucial role in integrating marginalized children into the educational and social mainstream. Paying tribute to Apang's far-sighted leadership, Mein described the school as a “beacon of hope” for students who have faced exclusion due to their physical challenges. He also reaffirmed the current government’s resolve to continue supporting the school’s operations and future growth, in line with the commitments of past administrations.

In addition to financial assistance, Mein announced a move toward supporting student-led vocational initiatives. He directed his office to initiate the procurement of gift paper bags made by students from recycled materials. This eco-friendly initiative not only encourages sustainability but also nurtures the students’ creativity and self-reliance by providing them with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and craft skills.

During the workshop, Mein spoke passionately about the importance of communication and public speaking in empowering youth. He emphasized that the ability to express oneself with clarity and confidence is essential for students in today’s world. The “Let’s Speak Arunachal” initiative, under which this workshop was held, aims to develop such skills across the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister also commended the founders of the initiative — Porsum Ori and Tana Jiri — for their efforts in building platforms across Arunachal Pradesh to improve student confidence and communication. He acknowledged their contribution to shaping an environment that encourages students, including those with disabilities, to find their voice and become active participants in society.

In summary, Chowna Mein’s announcements reflect a strong commitment to inclusive education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. The initiatives signal a multi-faceted approach — combining financial support, skills training, sustainability, and communication development — to create a better future for differently-abled children and the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.