Group Home for persons with intellectual disabilities shut for over a year, kin protest

UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria’s intervention has been sought to resolve the long-pending issues related to Chandigarh’s Group Home for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Over 40 citizens, including applicants and their families, held a silent protest and candlelight march outside the Punjab Raj Bhavan. They highlighted that despite assurances given in October last year and again in January, a meeting with officials concerned has still not taken place.

“Our children continue to suffer while officials delay action,” said Kulwant Singh, father of an adult with intellectual disability. “The Group Home is ready and fully furnished, but it’s been locked since July last year. Why is public money being wasted?”

The protesters raised serious concerns about the recent letters issued by the Department of Social Welfare, demanding that applicants accept all terms, including an exorbitant Rs 20 lakh security deposit within three days. The letters also forbid applicants from challenging the conditions in court.

“This is nothing short of coercion,” said Rita Sharma, a single mother. “They are threatening to deny admission to my son if I don’t sign. I’m told I can’t even go to court later. How is this legal?”

Poonam Beniwal, a research scholar at Panjab University, and Joginder Kaur, another parent, questioned why no action was taken against negligent nodal officers, despite the facility being idle for nearly a year.

The protesters also criticised the Administrator for leading anti-drug rallies while ignoring urgent issues just steps away from GRIID, where the Group Home is located.

Several protesters, including Bimla Nehru, a retired Panjab University professor, said they have been trying to meet the Administrator since April 12 without success.

The families submitted a memorandum to Raj Bhavan staff with seven key demands — reduction in security deposit, waiver of extra charges, recruitment of trained professionals, on-site applicant assessments, EWS seat reservation, optional guardian requirements, and public awareness drives.

“We are not asking for favours, but dignity and fairness for our children,” said one of the protesters.