The Homes for Intellectually Impaired Persons scheme, implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, is dedicated to the welfare of mentally deficient children (MDC) in need of care and protection. These children are admitted into specially designated shelter homes through the Child Welfare Committee established under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2000 and its Amendment Act 2006.
Benefits
- Shelter and Care: Admission into a shelter home that offers a safe environment.
- Free Facilities: Provision of food, accommodation, and overall care and protection.
- Holistic Support: Focus on the well-being of children with intellectual disabilities in need.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- The child must be an orphan.
- The child must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- The child must be a Mentally Deficient Child (MDC) in need of care and protection.
- The disability percentage of the child should be 40% or above.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Visit the Child Welfare Committee: Approach the concerned Child Welfare Committee and request a hard copy of the application form for the scheme.
- Complete the Form: Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach all required documents (self-attested as necessary).
- Submit the Application: Submit the completed and signed application form along with the required documents to the office of the relevant Child Welfare Committee.
- Obtain Acknowledgment: Collect the receipt or acknowledgment confirming the successful submission of your application.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Two Passport-Sized Photographs (with signatures across)
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or equivalent)
- Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra
- Disability Certificate
- Bank Account Details (including Bank Name, Branch Name, Address, IFSC, etc.)
- Any additional document as required by the Child Welfare Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the full form of MDC?
A1: MDC stands for Mentally Deficient Child.
Q2: In which year did the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act come into existence?
A2: The Juvenile Justice Act was enacted in 2000.
Q3: When was the Juvenile Justice Act last amended?
A3: The Act was last amended in 2006.
Q4: Is it mandatory for the child to be an orphan to be eligible?
A4: Yes, the child must be an orphan to qualify for this scheme.
Q5: Where can I find the list of all the Child Welfare Committees in Maharashtra?
A5: The list is available through the official website of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance or by contacting the district social welfare offices.
Q6: How many MDC homes under this scheme are non-grant-in-aid?
A6: Out of 19 MDC homes, 5 are non-grant-in-aid.
Q7: What free facilities are provided in the MDC homes?
A7: The homes provide free food, shelter, and care & protection services.
Q8: Is it mandatory for the child to be mentally deficient to apply for this scheme?
A8: Yes, the scheme is specifically for Mentally Deficient Children in need of care and protection.
Q9: What are the objectives of this scheme?
A9: The objectives are to provide a safe, nurturing environment and comprehensive care to vulnerable, intellectually impaired children.
Q10: Who are the target beneficiaries of this scheme?
A10: The target beneficiaries are orphaned children with intellectual disabilities residing in Maharashtra.
Q11: Are there any eligibility criteria regarding the percentage of disability?
A11: Yes, the child must have a disability percentage of 40% or above.
Q12: Is a Residential Certificate/Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra a mandatory document?
A12: Yes, it is required to verify the permanent residency of the applicant in Maharashtra.
Q13: What is the full form of SJSA?
A13: SJSA stands for Social Justice & Special Assistance.
Q14: Is this scheme state-funded or centrally funded?
A14: This scheme is state-funded by the Government of Maharashtra.
Q15: Is there any application fee?
A15: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.
Q16: Is there any compensation for delay in the disbursal of benefits?
A16: Compensation details for delays, if any, are specified in the scheme guidelines.
Q17: How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
A17: Mandatory fields are usually marked with an asterisk or highlighted as per the form instructions.
Q18: Can applicants from neighboring states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, etc., apply for this scheme?
A18: No, this scheme is exclusively for permanent residents of Maharashtra.
Q19: Where can I find the URL for the website of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance?
A19: The URL is available on the official Maharashtra government website or the department’s dedicated portal.
Q20: Where can I find the link to the scheme guidelines?
A20: Scheme guidelines are provided in the official documentation available at the Child Welfare Committee or the department’s website.
Q21: What is the address of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra?
A21: The address can be found on the official Maharashtra government website or in the scheme documents.
Q22: Where can I find the addresses of the District Social Welfare Offices?
A22: These addresses are available on the official website of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance or through the respective district administration offices.
Q23: Where can I post my grievances related to this scheme?
A23: Grievances can be submitted to the designated grievance redressal cell of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance.
Q24: Is there an income-related criterion for this scheme?
A24: No, there is no specific income-related criterion mentioned for this scheme.
Q25: Is the application form available online?
A25: The application form is available offline at the Child Welfare Committee; check with the department for any online availability.