The State government on Monday sought time to file an affidavit before the Bombay High Court to incorporate a report on a training programme conducted for functionaries of homes for mentally deficient children (MDC) in the State.
A Division Bench of Justices Abhay Oka and M.S. Sanklecha was hearing a public interest litigation on the sexual exploitation of mentally challenged inmates at children’s homes. In the last hearing, Dnyandeo Sul, the joint secretary of the social justice and special assistance department, had filed an affidavit that the Chunauti model, which aims at strengthening the systems for care and rehabilitation of special children, was being implemented in 11 MDC homes. Asha Bajpai, the amicus curie in the case, said the model has to be replicated with modifications based on grassroot-level needs of particular areas and homes. A training programme was slated to be held in April.
On Monday, Ms. Bajpai, submitted to the court a report of the training programme she conducted on April 17 and 18 for the functionaries of MDC homes. She said the 78 participants who attended the training included superintendents, psychologists, occupational therapists, special educators and caregivers. She said, “We are trying to focus on development using positive disciplining skills and methods. The report shows how a different model can be set up for each child on the basis of rehabilitation and independent living.”
She said the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act are being implemented in municipality schools. Ms. Bajpai said that the programme highlighted the rights of children and laws in institutions. It also taught participants how to deal with abuse in institutions and teach skills to children. The affidavit will be filed on April 25 and the next hearing will be on April 26.