Haryana Government has decided to adopt in principle the guidelines of mental illness issued by Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for evaluation and assessment of mental illness and procedure for its certification.
However, the cut off for welfare measures will remain 70 per cent i.e. persons with severe and profound disability would be covered, said a spokesperson of Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
Chief Minister Manohar lal has approved a proposal to this effect.As per guidelines, certificate of disability under the provisions of Persons with Disabilities Act will be issued by a Medical Board headed by 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.
He said that atleast two of the members including Chairperson of the Board 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 facility like assistance or extra time for writing examination. Even 50 per cent pension for initial two years can be allowed if the percentage of disability is above 70, said the spokeman.He said that disability certificate would be valid for a period of five years for those whose disability is temporary and is below the age of 18 years.
For those who acquire permanent disability, the validity can be shown as permanent in the certificate. The Director General Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare would be the final authority for any controversy or doubt regarding the interpretation of the definitions or classifications or evaluation test.