UNICEF to distribute 25,000 solar lamps

Ranchi, April 25 (IANS) Unicef will distribute around 25,000 portable solar lamps in Jharkhand's schools, a move that will help around 75,000 students during their studies.

The lamps will be distributed in 203 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), 132 Tribal Welfare Schools and children living in Observation Homes of the state.

"The aim to distribute portable solar lamps is to ensure un-interrupted study of children where there is no supply of power or it is irregular" said Job Zachariah, chief of UNICEF Jharkhand.

According to him this will help around 75,000 children in the state.

The lamps can run for 3-4 hours comfortably. A group of 2-3 children can use one lamp for studies or other activities.

Jharkhand Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister, Baidyanath Ram will distribute the solar lamps to Wardens of all the KGBVs at a special function on April 30, 2012 in Ranchi. Each KGBV will be provided 50 to 100 solar lamps depending on the number of students studying in the school.

A similar function will be organised at the Jharkhand Tribal Welfare Research Institute, Ranchi on May 10 for distributing more than 7,000 solar lamps to the principals of residential welfare schools for use by children. Pravin Toppo, Tribal Welfare Commissioner will distribute the lamps.

Solar lamps will also be provided to all 80 Malnutrition Treatment Centresin the state.