Special Relief

In Kochi city of Kerala state, the government has established daycare centres for the mentally ill. Providing free lunch with pick-and-drop facility, the 9-to-5 centres look after the mentally ill aged 15 to 50 years. Many sports and recreational activities are held for the inmates at the centres. They also get an opportunity to learn yoga for physical strength and mental relaxation. A vocational training programme is being started at the centres where inmates will learn how to make candles, medicine covers and such coir products as floor mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses, etc.