Panel formed to address issues of home for mentally challenged

A committee chaired by Chief Secretary to address the issues at Asha Kiran Home for the mentally challenged was constituted today by Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.
Jung also directed top officials of all departments to visit the facility and assess all that needs to be done by them to provide high standard care to the inmates.
"All departments must make extra efforts to help improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable sections residing in these homes. Not only is it the state's responsibility to them but our moral duty too," said Jung.
He directed the HODs to complete their visit and assessment in the next two weeks, together with a clear roadmap and a timeline.

"While the complex may explore the possibility of getting additional support through schemes such as corporate social responsibility, the government has to take the first lead in its responsibility to the mentally challenged residents living in these homes and cannot shy away from this duty to them," he said during the review meeting this morning.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Social Welfare secretary, Finance secretary, Public Works Department secretary, Health Secretary, Education secretary and other senior officials of the Delhi Government.
On May 28, Lt Governor had visited the Asha Kiran Home at Rohini and had directed Secretary, Social Welfare and the Administrator of the Home to make a presentation to him outlining all that needs to be done to improve its facilities.

As part of the presentation, the Department highlighted issues to be addressed and which required coordination with various departments of the government today.