The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to address the concerns of mentally ill people during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Commission’s recommendation came following a complaint it received, which claimed violation of human rights of the mentally ill people roaming on the streets across the country.
According to the complaint, the NHRC said, a large number of persons suffering from various mental illnesses are loitering on the streets and are dependent on food, shelter and other kinds of help on mosques, temples, gurudwaras and other charity organizations.
The NHRC also asked the ministry to inform it of the arrangements made for the mentally ill within two weeks.
“In the meantime, necessary directions may be issued by them [MHA] 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.,” NHRC said in a separate statement.
