Cut in Group Home security deposit not enough: Parents

Even as the UT Administration has decided to reduce security deposit for admission to the Sector 31 Group Home for persons with mental illness, many parents and guardians are dissatisfied with the proposed revisions, calling these as “cosmetic cuts”.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the governing body, which was chaired by the Chief Secretary to address concerns over steep Rs 20 lakh security deposit.

The review was held following a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 16, which asked the UT Administration to reassess deposit in line with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which mandates dignity, equality and non-discriminatory access to mental health services.

In response, the governing body proposed a tiered structure that retains Rs 20 lakh deposit for suite accommodations, but reduced the amount to Rs 15 lakh for single rooms and Rs 10 lakh for twin-sharing facilities. The move is expected to benefit 57 out of the 69 paying residents.

However, parents and mental health advocates argue that reductions are not enough, especially when compared to other group homes across India, where deposits range from Rs 1 to Rs 6 lakh.

“While the administration calls it rationalisation, it still leaves out families from modest backgrounds, who can’t afford even the reduced rates. It feels more like a token gesture to comply with the court directive rather than a meaningful reform,” said a parent of a long-term resident.

Officials at the meeting noted that the monthly charges for food and utilities will remain unchanged and acknowledged that the government would continue to subsidise nearly half of the operational costs. The governing body has sent the revised fee structure for final administrative approval. Yet for many families, the core concern remains unresolved. The high entry cost of accessing a basic right to dignified mental healthcare.

Chandigarh