NHRC asks govt. about steps taken to help the mentally ill -THE HINDU-11-04-2020

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The complaint highlighted the issue of mentally ill persons dependent for food and shelter on charities, temples and gurdwaras.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to address the concerns of the mentally ill people on the streets during the lockdown to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Taking cognisance of a complaint about the alleged violation of the human rights of mentally ill people, the NHRC has asked the Home Ministry to inform it, within two weeks, of the arrangements made to protect the interests of this vulnerable group.

The NHRC has asked the Home ministry to issue necessary directions to all the States and Union Territories to ensure that persons suffering from any kind of mental ailment under their jurisdiction are provided with proper counselling towards necessary precautions for their personal care and protection from the virus and not deprived of basic amenities like food, shelter and medical care etc.

The NHRC has called on the Central and State governments to provide food, shelter and social security to this vulnerable class of people.