Residents of Chandigarh have expressed their concerns to UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria regarding a controversial plan to merge a Senior Citizens’ Home with the Group Home in Sector 31, designed for individuals with mental illnesses. Kanchan Malhotra, a 75-year-old resident, highlighted that the decision was made without any consultation with the governing body of the UTTHAAN Group Home Society. She emphasized that families like hers are striving for dignity and safety for their loved ones, as mandated by the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017. Another resident, Swarleen Kaur, pointed out that the facility was originally constructed specifically for individuals with mental and intellectual disabilities, and merging it with a senior citizens' home could jeopardize this essential service. The UT Administration, however, argues that integrating both groups could create a more familial environment. Radhika Singh, Director of Social Welfare, noted that there have been fewer applications for the group home than expected, prompting the need to utilize the facility. However, residents are concerned that this decision undermines the progress made in mental health care and fails to address the distinct needs of both populations.