Numerous problems being faced by the mentally-challenged children were brought to light at the Jayaraj Commission hearing held at the Town Hall here on Tuesday. Mayor Tony Chammany inaugurated the function.
“The mentally-challenged children deserve love and kindness from society. Proper treatment and training methods should be offered to them. Many are not aware of the treatments. Free education should be given up to 18 years and a project for the welfare of the mentally-challenged should be included in the budget,” said MLA S Sarma.
Benny Behanan MLA said that the Commission should reach out to the different special schools and study the problems being faced by the students and teachers at the grassroots level. Mary Anitha of Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment suggested measures to improve the basic educational facilities and demanded that the remuneration of teachers who take care of the mentally-challenged children should be made on a par with the special educators in other schools. She also pointed out the importance of sex education for the children. A home for those above 18 should also be considered.
Literary critic M K Sanu gave the keynote address while M K Jayaraj addressed the audience about the commission. Sushila Kuriachan, general convener of the District Committee for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Persons welcomed the gathering.
Muhammed Ali, chairman, Thrikkakara municipality, advocate Sandhya of Human Rights Law Network, journalist K M Roy among others, spoke