Demand for reopening admissions at Group Home for persons with mental disabilities

More than 60 people, including persons with disabilities, their families, students and residents, gathered at the Sector 17 Plaza on Sunday evening for a candlelight march and silent protest demanding justice and better care for persons with mental and intellectual disabilities.

The protest was held in the memory of Aruna Rathore, a single mother of an adult son with autism. The protesters expressed concern over the UT Administration’s persistent delay in opening admissions to the new Group Home for persons with mental and intellectual disabilities in Sector 31, which has remained largely non-functional since July last year.

The protesters accused the authorities of apathy, pointing out that while the facility has over 30 staff members, it houses only three residents.

“The Group Home has been ready for over a year, but no new admissions have been announced for the past six months,” said Satish Kumar, an 82-year-old father of an adult son with a mental disability. “What will happen to my son if I die? My wife is also unwell. Why is the Administration so insensitive?” he asked.

Rita Sharma, another single parent, said her application for admission in March was rejected due to the “harsh terms and exorbitant security deposit”.

Poonam Chaudhry, Principal of Discover School in Mohali, recalled her long association with Aruna. “She was a strong-willed woman, who had struggled all her life to care for her autistic son. She was waiting for the new admission process to begin, but she passed away before it happened. Her son is left in shock, with no clear support,” she said.

The demonstrators asked the UT Administration to immediately reduce the security deposit, reopen admissions to the Group Home and hold accountable those responsible for the delay.

Baldev Singh, a senior citizen, called for disciplinary action against the Secretary of Social Welfare, warning that “if the Administration fails to act, the High Court must intervene.”