Chennai, Feb. 27 -- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday unveiled a new comprehensive and specific policy for addressing the needs of Homeless Persons with Mental Illness (HPWMI) in the State to protect the rights and interests of this highly vulnerable population, thereby enhancing their well-being.

Addressing the intersection of Homelessness and Mental illness is crucial in India, where 1.78 million are homeless which is further compounded by 21% of them experiencing Mental Health issues, this document has been brought out after series of consultations and deliberations with multiple stakeholders both from the Government and Private.

They included the Departments of Health and Family Welfare, Welfare of the Differently A...