Budget crunch hinders efforts to look after intellectually disabled children

Janakpurdham, 26 April 2025: An association taking care of the intellectually disabled persons- Susta Manasthiti Abhivabak Sang- has been facing budget crunch, thereby limiting its activities. 

The Association of Guardians looking after the issues of intellectually disabled persons has been running for 34 years, but it began facing budget shortage lately. It is difficult for the Association to pay teachers, instructors and volunteers. There are 72 such children in a centre managed by the Association. They need special care for their intellectual disability. In order to change their behaviour, the children in the centre are instructed and provided training. They are paid special attention to improve their health and habits. 

Association Chairman Kameshwor Jha informed that they were not able to manage even the transportation of such children from their homes to centre owing to budget insufficiency. Previously, there were three rickshaws with the association, but only one at present.  More number of vehicles is required for smooth management of transport, he added.

"The intellectually disabled children are provided education, health care, physiotherapy and speech therapy every day. Dearth of finance is a major problem to continue these services now," he explained.

Although Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City provides Rs 600 thousand every year to the institution, it is insufficient even to pay teachers and employees. Currently, there are five regular staffs including teachers and instructors at the centre.

Jha informed that Rs 250 million is required annually to run the centre smoothly.