Chandigarh, Feb. 11 -- Six months after the social welfare department took possession of a newly constructed group home, admissions are set to begin next week, but a contentious Rs.20 lakh security deposit continues to loom large, creating a barrier for many families. The administration has remained firm on the deposit amount, despite repeated appeals from parents.

Director of social welfare Palika Arora confirmed that a public notice for admissions would be issued next week. This follows several delays, with the initial target of January 27 slipping by. The department is finalising its admission standard operating procedure (SOP), which will be published on its website alongside the public notice.

Addressing the high security fund, Aro...