Insufficient, inconsistent: Mental health pension rarely reach the affected

Government financial support during and since the lockdown for persons with psychosocial disabilities from low-income families, many of which had lost income, was inadequate

Jalaluddin Kazi*, 38, lives with bipolar disorder and often has seizures. A resident of North Dumdum near Kolkata, he drove a rented electric rickshaw to support his wife and two children, on days he was able to work. His wife Jahanara Bibi*, 30, sold household cleaning items in the neighbourhood. The family's monthly income was Rs 2,000-2,500, on average. When the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown was imposed in March, both the Kazis lost their livelihood. By May, the family had exhausted their savings, and shopkeepers refused to give them credit.

Jalaluddin was forced to ration his medication and his health deteriorated. He