Summary
Residents in Chandigarh recently gathered to voice their strong opposition to a new government decision regarding a local care facility. A group of over 40 people, including individuals with disabilities, their family members, and students, held a candlelight march at the Sector 17 plaza. They are protesting the UT Administration's plan to convert a large portion of the Group Home in Sector 31 into a paid home for senior citizens. This move has sparked concerns about the rights of people with mental health conditions and the fairness of how public facilities are managed.
Main Impact
The decision to change the use of the Group Home building has a direct impact on vulnerable families who have been waiting for years for proper support services. By turning half of the building into a paid facility for seniors, the government is reducing the space available for those with mental disabilities. Furthermore, the plan to move lower-income applicants to a different, smaller location has been criticized as a form of social separation. This change makes it harder for families to find affordable and inclusive housing for their loved ones who need specialized care.
Key Details
What Happened
The protest was triggered by a sudden announcement on May 7 by the UT Social Welfare Department. The department decided to take nearly half of the Group Home building in Sector 31 and use it for a different purpose. This decision was made without consulting the official society meant to oversee the home. Earlier, in late 2025, the department also decided to move applicants from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) to a makeshift area above a senior citizens' home in Sector 15. These combined actions led families to believe that the government is trying to avoid its responsibility to provide a unified home for people with disabilities.
Important Numbers and Facts
The struggle over this facility has been going on for some time. Initially, the government asked for a security deposit of 20 to 40 lakh rupees, which many families could not afford. After a court intervention, this amount was lowered to between 3 and 6 lakh rupees. The protesters pointed out that the UTTHAAN Society, which is supposed to make decisions about the home, has not held a meeting since November 2025. This lack of communication has left many families feeling ignored and frustrated by the sudden changes in policy.
Background and Context
A Group Home is a place designed to help people with disabilities live with dignity in a community setting. In Chandigarh, the Sector 31 facility was intended to be a major step forward for mental health care. Under the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, the government is legally required to provide these types of living arrangements. However, families argue that the Social Welfare Department has been placing obstacles in their way. They believe the high costs and the recent decision to split the building are ways to discourage people from applying for the service.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction from the community has been one of deep disappointment. Satish Kumar, an 83-year-old father who cares for his son with a mental illness, shared that many families have felt for years that the government was not truly interested in running the home. He described the situation as a violation of their trust. Medical professionals have also weighed in on the issue. Dr. Simmi Waraich, a senior psychiatrist, noted that families need time and professional help to prepare their children for moving into a group home. She argued that giving a very short time to apply is unfair and shows a lack of understanding of the challenges these families face.
Human rights advocates have also joined the protest. They argue that separating families based on their income level is a form of discrimination that goes against the law. They believe that everyone, regardless of their financial status, should have the same access to quality care and community living. There is a growing demand for the UT Administrator to take control of the situation and move the management of the home to the Health Department, which has more experience in handling such facilities.
What This Means Going Forward
The future of the Sector 31 Group Home remains uncertain. If the UT Administration does not listen to the concerns of the protesters, the matter may end up back in the High Court. Families are asking for a more transparent process and for the government to follow the rules set by the Mental Healthcare Act. They are also calling for better awareness programs so that more people know about the services available. The goal is to ensure that the building remains a dedicated space for those it was originally built to serve, rather than being split up for other uses.
Final Take
The candlelight march in Chandigarh is a clear sign that the community will fight for the rights of the most vulnerable. For the Group Home to be successful, it must be inclusive and managed with care and transparency. The government now faces a choice between continuing with its current plan or working with families to create a facility that truly meets the needs of people with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are people protesting against the Chandigarh Group Home conversion?
People are protesting because the government wants to turn half of a facility meant for people with disabilities into a paid home for senior citizens. Families feel this reduces the space and support available for their loved ones.
What is the concern regarding EWS applicants?
Advocates are worried that moving lower-income families to a separate, makeshift location creates a social stigma and discriminates against people based on their financial status, which goes against national mental health laws.
What do the protesters want the government to do?
The protesters want the government to keep the entire Sector 31 building for the Group Home, lower the barriers for entry, and move the management of the facility to the Health Department for better professional oversight.
