Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab issues 67 Legal Guardianship Certificates in 1 month to support adults with special needs
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 14, 2025: Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that the state government has issued 67 Legal Guardianship Certificates to adults with special needs in the last one month, marking a major push towards ensuring their care, protection and empowerment.
Dr. Kaur said the initiative, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, reflects the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding the rights of adults living with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disabilities.
Explaining the process, the Minister said that legal guardianship—granted under the National Trust Act, 1999—helps appoint a responsible guardian for adults who cannot independently manage their daily affairs. The legally appointed guardian, who may be a parent, sibling, close relative or a person from a registered social service organisation, assists with key tasks such as decision-making, documentation, banking, healthcare procedures, and accessing government schemes.
“These certificates bring a transformative shift in the lives of persons with special needs,” Dr. Kaur said. “They provide legal protection, ensure their rights are safeguarded, and make it easier for them to access essential services and welfare benefits.”
She added that the Punjab Government has launched multiple schemes and support mechanisms to integrate persons with special needs into mainstream society and improve their overall quality of life.
Dr. Kaur further said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has clearly directed that no person with special needs should be left behind, and that comprehensive support must be provided at every stage to ensure their well-being and dignity.