Centre mulling law to ensure shelter even for adult orphans with disabilities: Shankar Baba

Nagpur: Well-known social worker from Amravati, Shankar Baba Papalkar, has ignited a spark of hope for a significant legal change for welfare of orphans with physical and mental disabilities. As per Shankar Baba, the central govt is considering bringing a law allowing orphanages to continue caring for individuals with disabilities even after they turn 18.As per the current law, all orphans, irrespective of their physical and mental conditions, have to leave their orphanages after turning adult (over 18 years old).
“There are more than seven crore such individuals in India,” said Shankar Baba who arrived in Nagpur on Friday after receiving the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday. During an interaction with journalists at the Press Club, he shared heartwarming anecdotes from his trip and his dedication to advocating for orphans with disabilities.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi came forward and offered a warm embrace to two of my children – Gandhari and Yogesh – who accompanied me to Delhi. The PM spoke of his commitment to enact a legislation to address this most critical need. It was a day filled with immense hope,” said Shankar Baba.
The PM quickly arranged for a meeting with Rajesh Aggarwal, secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in New Delhi. “Aggarwal appeared convinced that some disabled and mentally challenged orphans need the shelter even after they turn adults. Aggarwal said he will send a team of experts to Wazzar, where we take care of more than 125 such orphans,” said Shankar Baba.
“If enacted, the law holds immense significance for more than seven crore such individuals living without identity. These orphans with complex disabilities and mental illnesses don’t even have names, Aadhaar cards or voting cards,” he said.
Shankar Baba sounded emotional as he emphasized that the true honour of the Padma Shri award lies in creation of such a law. “While I am deeply grateful for the Padma Shri recognition, the real victory will be when our govt passes a law ensuring continued care and support for adult orphans with disabilities,” he said.
Ravindra Thakre, additional tribal commissioner of Nagpur, Nagpur Press Club secretary Brahma Shankar Tripathi and Anil Gadekar from district information office were present at the press conference.