Chandigarh, November 14:
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking significant steps for the welfare of adults with special needs. As part of these efforts, 67 adults with special needs have been issued Legal Guardianship Certificates within the past one month.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that legal guardianship is an authorised legal mechanism under the National Trust Act, 1999, aimed at ensuring the welfare, protection, and empowerment of adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disabilities. Under this Act, a responsible guardian is legally appointed for adults who are unable to independently manage essential daily tasks due to their disabilities. This guardianship enables smoother decision-making, documentation processes, banking, healthcare-related procedures, and access to various government schemes.
The Minister further added that a legal guardian may be a parent, sibling, close relative, or a responsible person associated with a registered social service organisation, and such appointments are approved through the designated committee.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that these certificates bring a transformative change in the lives of persons with special needs, as they provide legal protection, safeguard their rights, and ensure easier access to government facilities and services.
She also highlighted that the Punjab Government has implemented several schemes and extensive support facilities to connect persons with special needs to the mainstream and to improve their overall quality of life.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued clear instructions that no person with special needs should be left behind and that comprehensive support must be provided at every level.
