BANGALORE: Duty and responsibility are cast upon society to support initiatives intended to rehabilitate citizens with mentally disabilities and help them feel that they are a part of it, said Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan.

Speaking at the inauguration of the first unit of the "Group Home" project of Karnataka Parents' Association for Mentally Retarded Citizens (KPAMRC) at Arasinakunte village near Nelamangala on Sunday, Mr. Rajasekharan said the disabled children needed a sense of belonging rather than sympathy.

The Union Government, the State Government and the zilla panchayats should support projects that rehabilitate disabled children financially and morally, he said.

M.R. Doreswamy, Chairman of PES Group of Institutions, said it was the responsibility of society to take care of these children and help them grow like other children.

The KPAMRC newsletter, "The common cause", was released.

Lack of love

According to the KPAMRC, it came up with the "Group Home" Project as rehabilitation programmes for disabled children lack the necessary love and affection.

President of the association K.R. Venkatesh said, "Under this project, parents, apart from overseeing the rehabilitation and training programmes of disabled persons, will give the much needed parental love for the children."

The "Group Home" project will be implemented in four phases to accommodate over 60 children from all sections of society.

The children will be given the best of the rehabilitation facilities, including vocational training, workshops and day care.

Children, who will stay here for short duration, will be familiarised with the concept of independent living. Facilities will be provided for eight parent-couples to stay on a long-term basis.

The first unit of the project will provide facilities to 12 parents and one parent-couple will stay there to oversee the activities.

The project, which is to be completed by next year, is being taken up at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. As many as 30 parents of disabled children participated in the event held on Sunday.

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