The Governor 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 region, parents and guardians of Group Home residents, and other key stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation, care, and long-term support services.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kataria said that persons recovering from mental illness and individuals with intellectual disabilities require much more than medical treatment. He emphasised that emotional support, social acceptance, rehabilitation, and opportunities to live independently with dignity are equally essential for their overall well-being and successful integration into society.
Highlighting the importance of social awareness, the Administrator called for eliminating the stigma and misconceptions associated with mental health, intellectual disabilities, and autism. He stated that every individual deserves equal rights, dignity, and respect, and urged society to adopt a more compassionate, sensitive, and inclusive approach in both language and behaviour.
Emphasising the need for quality rehabilitation services, Shri Kataria underlined the importance of trained caregivers, special educators, psychologists, doctors, vocational trainers, and social workers in delivering comprehensive care. He also stressed the necessity of regular health check-ups, emergency medical support, an effective grievance redressal mechanism, and continuous interaction with families to ensure the holistic development and well-being of residents. He urged the Department of Social Welfare, the Institute of Mental Health, GRIID, Government Medical College and Hospital Sector 32, and other partner organisations to conduct regular reviews of Group Home services and strengthen them based on feedback received from parents and beneficiaries.
A detailed presentation was delivered by Shri Naveen, Director of the Department of Social Welfare, outlining the objectives of the Group Home, eligibility criteria, transparent admission procedures, medical assessment protocols, the Day Care Orientation Programme, Trial Stay arrangements, the rehabilitation framework, and the comprehensive range of services available to residents. The presentation highlighted facilities including residential accommodation, nutritious meals, counselling services, life skills training, recreational activities, family counselling, and round-the-clock supervision by trained professionals. Separate residential facilities for male and female residents have also been established to ensure a safe, secure, and dignified living environment.
Dr. Ajeet Sidana, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College and Hospital Sector 32, Chandigarh, delivered an expert session explaining the categories of disabilities and mental health conditions eligible for admission under the approved Standard Operating Procedures. He emphasised the importance of early intervention, continuity of treatment, and active family participation in achieving successful rehabilitation outcomes.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which psychiatrists, healthcare professionals, institutional representatives, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders discussed admission procedures, eligibility norms, rehabilitation services, long-term care, family participation, and the functioning of the Group Home. Officials from the Department of Social Welfare and members of the expert panel responded to participants' queries and assured them that the suggestions received would be considered to further strengthen the initiative and make it more responsive to the needs of beneficiaries and their families.
The awareness session reinforced the Chandigarh Administration's commitment to building an inclusive and compassionate rehabilitation system that prioritises dignity, equal opportunity, quality care, and independent living for persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities through coordinated institutional support and community participation.
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