Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the State was motivating jail inmates to learn skills and utilising the same for self employment and income generating activities. He was speaking on closing ceremony of the State Level Red Cross Fair, organised by Hospital Welfare Section, on The Ridge, here today.
Chief Minister said that quality handicrafts and other material was being produced by jail inmates who were being imparted skill upgradation training in the jails itself. He said that he was impressed with the products displayed by the Jail Department in the exhibition stall of the fair, produced by jail inmates. He said that the State Government would not only be motivating jail inmates to undertake skill upgradation training but also generate income for themselves after their release by adopting the same as self-employment avocation. He said that the State Government would give preference in purchasing such products.
Prof. Dhumal gave a clarion call to all and sundry to come forward in donating generously towards the Red Cross Fund which could save many precious lives. He said that Red Cross Movement originated in year 1863 to deliver emergency services during war and emergency to injured soldiers and affected people which gradually gained momentum and was spread all over the world. He said that the objective of organising fairs and exhibitions by Red Cross Societies aimed at generating additional income so that the same could be used to help deserving people.
Chief Minister said that the State Government had created Chief Minister’s Relief Fund with a view to provide financial support to poor and needy people in hour of need. He said that Rs. 24 crore worth of donations had been received towards the Fund during past four years out of which financial assistance worth Rs. 23 crore had been disbursed to thousands of needy people and many lives saved. He said that such donations were pious service towards suffering humanity. Prof. Dhumal visited exhibition stalls set up by different organisations, took out raffle draw of the Fair and distributed prizes amongst winner children of baby show.
Nirta Akre, Secretary, Hospital Welfare Section, welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him of various activities. Roopa Sharma, Member of the Section, proposed vote of thanks. Suresh Bhardwaj, MLA, Ganesh Dutt, Vice Chairman, HIMUDA, Sanjay Chauhan, Mayor and Madhu Sood, former Mayor, Municipal Corporation, I.D. Bhandari, Director General of Police, Dr. Arun Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, other senior officers and prominent people of the town were present on the occasion.
