The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today attended an awareness session on Group Home Services at the Group Home, Sector 31, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh; Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti; Chief Engineer, Shri C.B. Ojha; and other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration.
The programme, organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration, brought together psychiatrists from healthcare institutions across the Tri-city, parents/guardians of Group Home residents, and other key stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, the Administrator said that persons recovering from mental illness and people with intellectual disabilities need not only medical treatment but also emotional support, social acceptance, rehabilitation, and opportunities to live independently with dignity.
The Administrator stressed the need to remove the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health, intellectual disabilities, and autism. He said every individual deserves equal rights, dignity, and respect, and called upon society to adopt a more sensitive and inclusive approach in both language and behaviour.
Highlighting the importance of quality care, Shri Kataria emphasised the need for trained caregivers, special educators, psychologists, doctors, vocational trainers, and social workers, along with regular health check-ups, emergency medical support, an effective grievance redressal system, and continuous interaction with families. He urged the Department of Social Welfare, the Institute of Mental Health, GRIID, GMCH-32, and other partner organisations to regularly review the services and strengthen them based on feedback from parents and beneficiaries.
A detailed presentation was delivered by Shri Naveen, Director, Department of Social Welfare, covering the objectives of the Group Home, eligibility criteria, the transparent admission process, medical assessment, the Day Care Orientation Programme, Trial Stay, the rehabilitation framework, and the comprehensive services available for residents. The presentation also highlighted the wide range of facilities available at the Group Home, including accommodation, nutritious meals, counselling services, life skills training, recreational activities, family counselling, and continuous supervision by trained professionals.
Separate accommodation for male and female residents has been provided to ensure a safe, secure, and dignified living environment. Dr. Ajeet Sidana, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, GMCH-32, Chandigarh, delivered an expert session explaining the categories of disabilities and mental health conditions eligible for admission under the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).
He highlighted the importance of early intervention, continuity of treatment, and family involvement in achieving successful rehabilitation outcomes. The programme concluded with an interactive session in which psychiatrists, healthcare professionals, representatives of institutions, parents, and other stakeholders discussed admissions, eligibility, rehabilitation services, long-term care, family participation, and the functioning of the Group Home.
Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and the expert panel answered participants' queries and assured them that the suggestions received would be considered for further strengthening the initiative and making it more responsive to the needs of beneficiaries and their families.