Chandigarh, November 13, 2026: Shri Hiriadka Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration-cum-Chairman of the Governing Body of the Utthaan Society of Group Home, approved several significant measures to improve accessibility, strengthen care and expand support for persons with disabilities at the Group Home, Sector-31. The approvals were accorded during the 5th meeting of the Governing Body held today under his chairmanship.

The Chairman approved an increase in the annual family income ceiling for availing a 50% fee concession from ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh. He also approved enhancing the capacity from 42 to 80, with 20 seats reserved for fee-concession and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) beneficiaries. The trial stay period for accompanying parents or guardians has been extended to three months, with further extensions wherever required.

To streamline admissions, medical assessments of applicants with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will now be conducted at the Group Home. The assessment period has also been reduced from 45 to 30 days. Eligibility for persons with mental illness has been broadened, subject to a minimum benchmark disability of 40%.

Weekly visits by psychiatric and medical specialists from GRIID and MHI will ensure regular health monitoring of residents. Parents and guardians will also be permitted to visit residents in their rooms for one to two hours daily between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

These decisions reaffirm the Chandigarh Administration’s commitment to inclusive, accessible and family-friendly institutional care that upholds the dignity, well-being and quality of life of persons with disabilities.