Game Changer for Mental Care: Chandigarh Lowers Group Home Deposit, Opening Doors Wider

Chandigarh Administration Eases Admission Barrier for Group Home with Deposit Reduction

The Chandigarh administration has taken a major step towards making the Group Home for persons with mental disabilities more accessible by slashing the security deposit from ₹20 lakh to ₹6 lakh. The decision comes after sustained protests and petitions by parents and guardians, who argued that the previous amount was prohibitively high and against the principles of dignity and non-discrimination under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

The Group Home, constructed in Sector 31, has faced delays in operationalization mainly due to the contentious security deposit requirement. Initially set at ₹20 lakh irrespective of room category, the deposit was deemed by many as a barrier preventing deserving individuals from gaining admission.

The administration’s revised proposal takes into consideration the concerns raised by families and the Punjab and Haryana High Court's direction to make the facility inclusive and affordable. Parents are still advocating for further reductions, in line with NGO-run homes across India, suggesting the deposit should be equivalent to about one-year fee.

The governing body of the UTTHAAN Group Home Society will meet shortly to finalize the new deposit structure. This welcome development is expected to lead to the opening of the much-needed facility, providing specialized care and support to persons with mental disabilities in Chandigarh.

Key Highlights:

Security deposit for Group Home reduced from ₹20 lakh to ₹6 lakh.

Decision follows legal and parental advocacy over high initial deposit.

Group Home located in Sector 31, pending operational status since 2024.

Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized dignity and non-discrimination in care.

Parents continue to push for deposit aligned with one-year fee norms.

Next governing body meeting to finalize revised deposit and operational plans.

Source: Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express (2025)