File photo of nine-year-old girl Skalzang Angmo with her mother Stanzin Dolma

September 2
The Punjab government today adopted Skalzang Angmo, a nine-year -old girl, who lost her sister, house and entire belongings to the devastating August 6 cloudburst that left over 200 dead in Leh.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal made an announcement in this regard at the Solar Valley Relief Camp in Choglamsar after visiting the flood-ravaged areas.

The Tribune had first highlighted the plight of Angmo’s mother, Stanzin Dolma, who lost her elder daughter — Denchen Paldon — to the flash floods and had no resources left to educate the other. The Union Government has already decided to sponsor Angmo’s education.

“I have been regularly reading stories on Skalzang Angmo, who has even cleared the test for admission to Class VI at Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Chandigarh. But her mother has no funds to send her there. So, the Punjab government has decided to adopt the girl,” said Sukhbir.

“As the Union Government has already announced free education for the girl, the Punjab government will pay all other expenses till she completes her Class XII. The family doesn’t need to worry about her now,” said Sukhbir.

The girl’s mother was full of gratitude. “I was really worried about my daughter’s future. But now all my troubles are over,” said Dolma, with tears rolling down her cheeks. Denchen was a topper and class VII student of JNV, Chandigarh.