Arjun promises one Bal Bhavan to each village

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) As many as 150 more Bal Bhavans will come up next year.

The announcement was made by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh while inaugurating the International Children's Assembly and Integration Camp on the occasion of Children's Day here today.

''There are only 74 Bal Bhavans in the country that do not suffice the needs of children. Therefore, our aim should be to bring up 150 more Bal Bhavans next year and one Bal Bhavan in each village in the future.'' said Mr Singh.

Paying tributes to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 118th birth anniversary, he said the Bal Bhavan was the realisation of Pandit Nehru's dreams of an out of school activity centre for children where they take part in varied activities in a tension free environment.

On this occasion, the Minister released the Bal Bhavan publications 'Voice of Youth on Sustainable Development', a book in Hindi and English reflecting children's thoughts on Sustainable Development which is the theme of this year's Assembly.

A poster on the theme of the asembly was also released by the Minister of State for School Education and Literacy M A A Fatmi.

On this occasion a colourful cultural programme was presented.

Apart from Indian children, children from Syrian Arab Republic, Norway, Kyrghyztan and China are also participating in the event.

An activity fair has been organised in the sprawling grounds of Bal Bhavan which include activities like painting, wood work, mask making, story telling, paper making, electronic games, aero modelling preparing models of satellites, acquarian puppet show, magic show, joy rides, games and jumping Castle.

In the evening , a cultural fiesta is being organised in which children of National Bal Bhavan and other friendly countries are making presentations on the theme of the Assembly.

The programme will be attended by the Minister of State for Higher Education D Purandeswari.

She will also inaugurate an exhibition titled 'Traditional Art and Craft-Treasure for Future Generation' at the National Children's Museum of National Bal Bhavan. The festivities at Camp are on from today to November 20.

UNI