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Woeful condition of state–run institution

Dismayed at inaction by the Delhi Government's social welfare department on its report that suggested reforms at a state–run institution for mentally retarded persons, the Public Grievance Commission (PGC) has sought a compliance report from the department. The commission had prepared the report after its team visited the Asha Kiran Complex for Mentally Retarded Children and Adults at Avantika in Rohini in 2006 in wake of some deaths there and found the facilities at the institute deficient.

Noting that prima facie it appears that hardly any action has been taken by the department, the PGC chairperson also sough complete details of deaths at the home during 2006 and 2007.

On December 27, PGC chairperson Baleshwar Rai held a meeting with officials of the social welfare department to review the progress made regarding functioning of the institution.

According to the minutes of the meeting Rai noted that the “casual approach adopted by the department is pretty evident. From what came out in the meeting, it appears that nothing much has been done by the social welfare department on the recommendations of PGC.”

When a social welfare department official pointed that an action taken report was sent in October 2006, the PGC chairperson said that what was being called an ATR is actually comments on the recommendations. “No worthwhile progress or action is reflected by the report,” said Rai.

At the meeting, the PGC chairperson also ordered an inspection of the complex by a member of the commission and a representative from NGO Pratidhi which and highlighted the cases of deaths at the Asha Kiran Home. Sources said the team has already visited the complex which confirms that the state of affairs continue to be poor at the complex.

Asha Kiran Hme in Rohini is Delhi's lone state–run facility for mentally challenged children and adults. According to the PGC, it suffers from overcrowding with 700 boys and girls stuffed in dormitories meant for many less, with a shortage of staff as well.

PGC has carried out an inspection at Asha Kiran Home in June 2006. The visit followed by a report by the PGC listing a detailed roadmap on systemic reforms which was sent to the Delhi Government. The report had pointed out that the mental institution was severely understaffed. It recommended that the vacancies of caretaker and ayas should be filled up immediately. It also suggested that an ambulance should be stationed in the evening hours at the institution and the same should be available throughout the night.

The medical unit at the Asha Kiran Home was found to be wanting and it was recommended that it should be converted into a mini hospital. It was also suggested that till the mini hospital is established, posting of doctors and nurses in the night should be ensured. At the December meeting an additional director of the social welfare department admitted that there is a shortage of 12 to 18 ayas.

Source: Overcrowding plagues home for mentally ill. The Times of India, New Delhi, 13 January 2008.