- Sahyogi, a scheme begun by the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities was to benefit people with these medical conditions has failed to serve its purpose.
- 25 volunteers picked largely from the slums in Delhi underwent 1 25-day training on basic knowledge on disability, treating the person with dignity and importance of human touch, through actual demonstrations.
- A basic minimum wage of Rs. 200 per day was fixed for these caregivers who were then sent to different organisations and homes requiring constant attention, which is followed by an evaluation of their work in consultation with the care-seeker.
- In reality however, the caregivers do not stay for long as they may not fit into the environment. Also considering that these highly specialised training calls for immense patience, dedication, a willingness to serve and high levels of energy, as also the domestic help like treatment meted out to them, not many opt for this career.
- In the six years of being in force, only 300 caregivers have been trained of which hardly any stayed in the field. Earlier, the National Trust had tied up with NGOs like Amar Jyoti and Muskaan to run courses for caregivers, which were later called off because of non-availability of willing learners.
- It was also suggested to be linked to colleges, students doing social work, housewives, retired people and even unemployed youth who could be trained to be good conversationalists since medically unfit people often require someone to talk to.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/caregiver-scheme-fails-to-deliver/article5932559.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Sahyogi
- Programme Implementation Issues