Rising above the political affiliations, a group of district leaders of various political parties have taken up the cause of mentally ill persons, batting for institutional support to voluntary efforts aimed at serving the vulnerable section of society.
Several leaders across the political spectrum pledged their support to the voluntary efforts of the town-based Annam Seva Foundation, which is running an orphanage providing shelter to more than 175 persons with mental disorders apart from several aged and other destitute persons.
They held an all-party meeting here on Thursday and deliberated at length on the growing number of residents at Annam Seva Foundation’s run shelter home and space constraints at the rented building on the Yellandu road here.
Permanent home
A delegation of the all-party leaders met Collector R. V. Karnan soon after the meeting and submitted a representation seeking support from the district administration to Annam Seva Foundation in its efforts to facilitate treatment, recovery and rehabilitation of mentally ill persons.
They sought a permanent building for the orphanage, sanction of Aadhaar cards, pensions under the social security schemes and proper treatment and rehabilitation of all the residents of the shelter home.
Shelter for all
Mr. Karnan visited the orphanage here on the same day and interacted with the organisers as well as the residents comprising several mentally ill persons from far off places.
Annam Srinivas Rao, the founder of the Annam Seva Foundation, apprised him of the services of the foundation such as rescuing mentally ill persons wandering on the streets, providing them shelter at the orphanage with the support of donors, ensuring treatment and reintegrating them with their families in adherence to the stipulated norms. Also help reunite with their families the mentally-ill persons who have wandered away.
The Collector assured the residents that all possible help would be extended to them.