LAHORE, Oct 6: The Punjab chief minister has approved regularisation of blind teachers and workers employed on a contract basis in institutions of the Special Education Department.

Punjab Special Education Minister Qudsia Lodhi said here on Friday that the decision was taken during a meeting of a delegation of the Punjab Association of Blinds with the chief minister.

The minister said the initiative had been taken for the promotion of special education and welfare and rehabilitation of blind persons.

She said that two kanals of land had been provided to the association for its office in Lahore while a van had been given to blind workers.

Besides, she said a grant of Rs300,000 had been provided to Pakistan blinds chess team for participating in Asian Blind Chess tournament being held in Uzbekistan.

She said that a quota was being fixed for blind employees in official residences for government servants, adding that the PAB would also be consulted in decisions for the welfare and rehabilitation of blind persons.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Education secretary Sohail Mansoor said that students studying in institutions of Special Education Department were being provided free transport, uniform, milk, food, Rs200 per month stipend, Braille books and residential facilities.—APP