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
- Living Facilities
- Free boarding and lodging for all inmates.
- Provision of 4 uniform sets per year.
- Daily living essentials are supplied at no cost.
- Medical Assistance
- Regular medical check-ups, including paediatric and psychiatric services, for monitoring and treatment.
- Educational and Developmental Activities
- Non-formal education to enhance daily living skills and personal development.
- Training in discipline, cleanliness, and good health habits.
- 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.
- 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:
- Age Group
- Boys aged between 7 and 17 years.
- 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:
- Visit the Office
- Collect the application form from the Department of Social Welfare office or sub-office. Alternatively, print the prescribed form available online.
- Complete the Form
- Fill in all mandatory details in the form.
- Attach a passport-sized photograph and required documents (self-attested, if necessary).
- 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).
- Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to the respective authority:
- Acknowledgement
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing the date of submission, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Address Proof (e.g., Ration Card)
- Age Proof
- 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.