Homes For Intellectually Impaired Persons: A Vision For Inclusive Living

A home is more than just a building, it is a place where we feel safe, comfortable and accepted. Nevertheless, it is not easy for mentally disabled people and their families to find or create a “home”. To help mentally challenged people, the government of Maharashtra has launched the Homes for Intellectually Impaired Persons" programme. 

This programme aims to recognise intellectually impaired people and help them create a home where they can receive mental support as well as medical care so that they can thrive.

What Are Intellectual Disabilities ?

A person’s ability to reason, solve problems, and learn is affected by a variety of diseases that are together referred to as intellectual disabilities 

(IDs). Individuals with ID could have trouble taking care of themselves, communicating with others, and living alone. The severity of ID varies widely; some people need intensive support, while others are able to live more independently with some help.

What Are Homes For Intellectually Impaired Persons ?

The “Homes for Intellectually Impaired Persons” is a program of the Ministry of Social Justice and Special Assistance of the Government of Maharashtra. 

Under this govt scheme, mentally challenged children in need of care and protection are admitted to homes through the District Child Welfare Committee constituted under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2000 and the Amendment Act 2006. The number of MDC homes is 19, of which 14 are approved and 5 are unapproved.

Benefits Of Homes For Intellectually Impaired Persons

Here are benefits of home scheme for intellectually impaired person

• Children with mental disabilities who require care and security are brought into shelter homes.

• These houses offer free services such as food, housing, and care and security.

Eligibility Criteria For Homes For Intellectually Impaired Person

• The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

• The candidate should be an orphan.

• The candidate must reside in Maharashtra State permanently.

• A mentally deficient child (MDC) in need of care and protection should be the petitioner.

• At least 40% of the population should be disabled.

Documents Required For Homes For Intellectually Impaired Person

List of documents required-

• Aadhar card

• 2-Photo in passport size (signed across).

• Evidence of Age: Birth Certificate, etc.

• The Maharashtra State Residential/Domicile Certificate.

• Certificate of Disability.

• Information about the Bank Account (Name, Address, IFSC, Branch Name, etc.).

• Whatever further paperwork that the Child Welfare Committee mandates.

Application Process For Homes For Intellectually Impaired Persons Sarkari Yojana

Here is a step-by-step application process to get homes.

Step 1: Go to the Child Welfare Committee and take a physical copy of the application form.

Step 2: Complete the application form by filling in all required fields, and attaching all required documents.

Step 3: Deliver the completed and signed application form to the concerned Child Welfare Committee’s office.

Step 4: Obtain the office’s receipt or acknowledgement that the application form was successfully submitted.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra government's homes for the mentally challenged are an example of a wonderful ecosystem that supports and nurtures people with intellectual disabilities. They are the site of a revolution that offers pathways to a more equitable life. It is important to go further and invest in scaling up such initiatives so that every person with intellectual disabilities gets the care and support they want.

For any queries and grievances dial 022-22025251 and email the senior official at min.socjustice@maharashtra.gov.in