SC Issues Notice to Centre, States on Regulation of Disability Rehabilitation Centres
NEW DELHI/SHIMLA/SRINAGAR: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, States and other concerned authorities on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulation of rehabilitation and therapy centres working with children with disabilities and special needs across the country.
The PIL alleges that despite statutory provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Council of India Act and the Mental Healthcare Act, numerous rehabilitation centres continue to operate without proper registration, qualified professionals, prescribed infrastructure standards and effective monitoring mechanisms.
The issue is not confined to a few states. Parents, activists and disability rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the functioning of rehabilitation centres in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states, where several facilities are allegedly operating in poor conditions despite receiving government support and funds meant for the welfare of children with disabilities.
According to the petition, many centres lack trained therapists, specialised equipment, accessibility features and mandatory facilities required under law.
Complaints annexed with the petition also refer to unqualified personnel administering therapies, inadequate infrastructure, lack of transparency and absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
The petition cites reports and representations from different parts of the country alleging that rehabilitation facilities are functioning without adequate regulatory oversight.
It contends that existing legal provisions requiring registration of institutions and qualified rehabilitation professionals are not being effectively enforced.
The petitioners have sought directions for mandatory registration of rehabilitation centres, enforcement of professional qualification norms, notification and implementation of rules under the Mental Healthcare Act, annual audits of facilities and creation of a nationwide database of rehabilitation centres catering to children with disabilities.
The matter is now before the Supreme Court following the issuance of notices to the respondents.
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