Home for Mentally Challenged Children Puducherry: Free Care, Education, and Medical Support

Home for Mentally Challenged Children is a welfare initiative by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. This scheme aims to provide holistic care and support to mentally challenged children (ages 7 to 17) with various levels of intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for these children by offering free boarding, medical care, educational activities, and recreational opportunities.

---

Benefits of the Scheme

1. Living Facilities
   • Free boarding and lodging for all inmates.
   • Provision of 4 uniform sets per year.
   • Daily living essentials are supplied at no cost.
2. Medical Assistance
   • Regular medical check-ups, including paediatric and psychiatric services, for monitoring and treatment.
3. Educational and Developmental Activities
   • Non-formal education to enhance daily living skills and personal development.
   • Training in discipline, cleanliness, and good health habits.
4. Recreational Support
   • Annual tours and local picnics to places of interest.
   • Participation in sports events and cultural programs with awards distributed during an Annual Day celebration.
5. Extracurricular Activities
   • Opportunities for drawing, painting, yoga, and other creative outlets to promote well-being and self-expression.

---

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet any one of the following:

1. Age Group
   • Boys aged between 7 and 17 years.
2. Mental Retardation Levels
   • Mild Mental Retardation: IQ level between 50-70.
   • Moderate Mental Retardation: IQ level between 35-49.
   • Severe Mental Retardation: IQ level between 20-34.
   • Profound Mental Retardation: IQ level below 20.
   • Unspecified Mental Retardation: Mental subnormality with low efficiency.

---

Application Process

The application process is offline and follows these steps:

1. Visit the Office
   • Collect the application form from the Department of Social Welfare office or sub-office. Alternatively, print the prescribed form available online.
2. Complete the Form
   • Fill in all mandatory details in the form.
   • Attach a passport-sized photograph and required documents (self-attested, if necessary).
3. Submit the Form
   • Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to the respective authority:
     • Puducherry: Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
     • Karaikal: Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
     • Mahe/Yanam: Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
4. Acknowledgement
   • Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing the date of submission, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

---

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Voter ID
3. Address Proof (e.g., Ration Card)
4. Age Proof
5. Disability Certificate

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the age group targeted by this scheme?

• The scheme is designed for boys aged 7 to 17 years.

2. How often are uniforms provided to the children?

• Each inmate receives 4 uniform sets per year.

3. What are the recreational benefits under this scheme?

• The scheme includes annual tours, local picnics, and opportunities to participate in sports events and cultural programs.

4. What medical services are provided?

• Regular paediatric and psychiatric check-ups are conducted to ensure the physical and mental well-being of inmates.

5. How does the scheme assist children with unspecified mental retardation?

• The scheme offers tailored non-formal education and activities to improve daily living skills and overall development.

6. Are cultural activities included in the program?

• Yes, children participate in cultural programs, and winners are awarded prizes during the Annual Day celebration.

7. What is the significance of the Annual Day?

• The Annual Day celebrates the achievements of the inmates in sports and cultural activities, fostering confidence and recognition.

8. What are the key educational benefits?

• The program emphasizes non-formal education, discipline, cleanliness, and extracurricular activities like drawing, painting, and yoga.

---

Sources and References

• Citizen’s Charter
• Contact Information:
  • Puducherry: Directorate of Social Welfare, Saradhambal Nagar, Ellaipillaichavady
  • Karaikal: Collector, Social Welfare Department Sub Office
  • Mahe/Yanam: Regional Administrator, Social Welfare Department Sub Office
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism

For more information or assistance, visit the Department of Social Welfare, Puducherry or contact the sub-office in your area.