Hanamkonda: Call to encourage mentally challenged

Hanamkonda: The mentally challenged persons need a helping hand, Child Welfare Committee chairman Mandala Parashuramulu said, speaking at a meeting that focused on 'Empowerment of mentally challenged – social responsibility' organised by Mallikamba Manovikasa Kendram here on Monday.

"It requires a lot of care and patience when we deal with the mentally challenged. Unless people have wholeheartedness, it's difficult to look after the welfare of the mentally challenged," he said. Even though the number of mentally retarded is high in the erstwhile Warangal district, the way the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are responding to their cause is commendable, Parashuramulu said.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Padma stressed on the need for more awareness programmes to sensitise the parents of mentally challenged. She said the government should assist the NGOs working for the welfare of mentally challenged. She urged the government to ensure exclusive facilities for issuing SADAREM certificates to these challenged persons.

Child protection officer S Praveen Kumar said that those NGOs running institutions for the protection of boys and girls must possess licences as per juvenile act. Child Line coordinator Ragi Krishnamurthy, B Ramaleela and Spandana, NGO, organiser Sucharitha Reddy were among others present.