Social Welfare Minister Visits ‘Training Centre for Specially-Abled Persons’ and Inaugurates ‘State Braille Press’ at Tanhril

Aizawl, Aug 2025: Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Pi Lalrinpuii visited the newly established “Training Centre for Specially-Abled Persons” at Tanhril and the “State Braille Press” located within the Centre. She was accompanied by Pi Lalzarmawii, Commissioner & Secretary, Dr. Lalhriatzuali Ralte, Director, Social Welfare Department, and other officials. The visit aimed to assess ongoing developmental works and discuss future plans for the Centre’s continuous improvement.

Addressing the specially-abled trainees, the Minister encouraged them to live with determination, honesty, and faith in God. She urged them to work hard and assured them of the government’s support in their journey.

The State Braille Press, now operational at the Tanhril Centre, is equipped to print Braille books, ballot papers, and other essential materials for visually impaired individuals. Currently, Braille textbooks for Classes 9 to 12 are being printed here, ensuring self-sufficiency for the state without the need to outsource such materials from outside Mizoram.

The Training Centre for Specially-Abled Persons was initially established in 1981 as the ‘Handicapped Training Centre’ at Laipuitlang. In 2017, it was renamed to its present title, and in April this year, it was relocated to Tanhril. The Centre has a capacity of 30 seats per batch and conducts 8-month training sessions. It offers residential facilities, while non-residential trainees receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 700 during their training period. After completion, trainees are provided with tailoring machines and other necessary equipment to support their livelihood.

Currently, Mizoram has four Training Centres for Specially-Abled Persons located at Tanhril, Thakthing Dam Veng, Chaltlang, and Lunglei, offering various skill-development courses. So far, around 1992 trainees have graduated from these Centres.

To further enhance the department’s activities and reduce staff shortages, proposals are being made to create two posts of District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) and three posts of Field Facilitator (FF).