NGOs protest deaths at home for mentally challenged

Leading non-governmental organisations and representatives of handicapped people from Delhi and other states on Tuesday demonstrated at Jantar Mantar against the deaths of 20 inmates at Asha Kiran Complex, a state-run home for mentally challenged in Rohini.

Leading non-governmental organisations and representatives of handicapped people from Delhi and other states on Tuesday demonstrated at Jantar Mantar against the deaths of 20 inmates at Asha Kiran Complex, a state-run home for mentally challenged in Rohini.

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The protestors claimed the inmates died in mysterious circumstances between December 2009 and January 2010.

They demanded immediate action to improve the living condition of the inmates. Their key demands are: decongesting the place and finding an alternative space for 350 additional patients residing in Asha Kiran, maintaining health and hygiene, proper food and clothing for all residents etc.

Garima Pant (22), who heads Action for Autism, Jasola, said: “We demand assurance of accountability at all levels and transparency in the entire Asha Kiran system.”

A total of 123 inmates have died in the home in the last four years, the NGOs claimed.

Devi Shankar (27), a representative of Viklang Manch, Allahabad said: I don't feel that the government even consider us a part of the civil society.”