Haryana to adopt Centre's guidelines on mental illness

The Haryana government will adopt in principle, the guidelines issued by Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for evaluation and assessment of mental illness and procedure for its certification.
A proposal to this effect was approved by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, a spokesperson of Social Justice and Empowerment Department said today.
The cut-off for welfare measures will remain 70 per cent -- meaning persons with "severe and profound disability" would be covered.
As per the guidelines, certificate of disability under the provisions of Persons with Disabilities Act will be issued by a Medical Board headed by a medical superintendent or principal or director or head of the institution or his nominee.

A psychiatrist and a physician would serve as members of the board. The spokesperson said that at least two of the members, including the chairperson must be present and sign the disability certificate.
The Medical Board may initially give a 'Certificate of Suspected Disability of Mental Illness' in the first and second year of cognisance having been taken of the illness so that person may avail facilities like assistance or extra time for writing examination, he said.

Even 50 per cent pension for initial two years can be allowed if the percentage of disability is above 70, the spokesperson said.

The certificate would be valid for a period of five years for those whose disability is temporary and are below the age of 18.
For those suffering permanent disability, the validity can be shown as permanent in the certificate, he said.
The spokesperson said these guidelines cover mental illness and not retardation.
He said the Medical Board must go through the old records and make sure that the applicant has been under proper treatment from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for at least over two years.
The board must also ensure that the course of treatment was adequate and that affected person did not respond sufficiently and hence is given a disability certificate, especially in case of severe and profound disability.