Delay, confusion over EWS group home plan triggers protests

Jagdish Singh, a 64-year-old single parent, wrote to the Chief Secretary alleging “discrimination” after his son, who had completed all formalities, was not included in the trial stay that began on September 15 for three residents. Despite repeated representations, Singh said he was told his son’s inclusion required fresh approval from the Governing Body.

Another parent, Barkhu Ram, questioned the abrupt shift to Sector 15, asking when the decision was taken and when the new facility would be ready. In his letter to the Social Welfare Department, he said families had been kept “completely uninformed”.

Dr Bhupinderjit Kaur Waraich, psychiatrist and member of the UTTHAAN Governing Body, also expressed surprise at the Sector 15 plan, saying it was never specifically discussed during the November 12 meeting. She warned that no assessment had been carried out on the suitability of the Senior Citizens Home for persons with mental disabilities and urged the Administration to reconsider the proposal.

Families say three EWS applicants who completed short trial stays in September have been waiting for nearly three months without clarity.

Director Palika Arora, when contacted, first sought time to respond and then refused to comment, saying that the issue is being discussed.

The writer is an intern with The Indian Express