Today, On 15th December, The Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response on a plea seeking a national expert committee to frame comprehensive guidelines. The panel would focus on care, rehabilitation, and protection of persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities across India.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court requested a response from the central government regarding a petition that calls for the formation of a national expert committee.
This committee would be tasked with creating comprehensive guidelines for the care, rehabilitation, and protection of individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
A bench comprising Justices B. V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan issued notices to the Union of India, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and other relevant entities.
The petition, filed by the NGO Hrdya Saras Foundation and others, also seeks directives for the establishment of population-based residential facilities for individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities in every district.
Additionally, it requests the creation of comprehensive and binding standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the establishment, regulation, and monitoring of these facilities.
The plea calls for the “constitution of a national expert committee comprising representatives of autistic persons, parents’ associations, disability-rights experts and medical professionals to formulate and finalise comprehensive guidelines for the care, rehabilitation and protection of such persons across the country.”
Furthermore, it urges authorities to ensure proper medical services, regular health check-ups, and consistent access to qualified doctors, therapists, and trained caregivers for individuals residing in these residential homes.
Also Read: Autism Syllabus Plea: Delhi High Court Says “Go to Policy Makers, Not Implementers”
It seeks to establish mandatory minimum standards for such institutions, addressing aspects like proper nutrition, safe and hygienic living conditions, sufficient staffing with trained caregivers, emergency preparedness, and transparency in financial practices to avert exploitative fee structures.
The petition also asks for the “establishment of pilot residential communities (experimental housing projects) in each state and Union Territory within a fixed timeline based on the aforesaid SOPs.”
Lastly, it requests appropriate directions for regular audits, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms to guard against abuse, neglect, or exploitation within these facilities.
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