Senior citizens in Delhi will soon have more places in their own neighbourhoods to meet friends, play games and take part in activities, with the Delhi government planning annual financial support for dedicated recreational centres.
Under the Vayo Anand Yojana, the government will provide Rs 2.4 lakh a year to eligible centres that cater exclusively to people aged 60 and above. The centres can operate from community spaces, including those inside RWAs, housing societies and village chaupals.
According to a report by The Times of India, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scheme aims to help senior citizens lead a healthy, active and socially connected life.
What will senior citizens get at these centres?
The centres will offer free recreational facilities where seniors can spend time with others in a safe and comfortable setting. They will have indoor games such as carrom and ludo, along with seating arrangements, fans, coolers, televisions and computers.
Senior citizens will also have access to newspapers, magazines and books. Regular yoga and meditation sessions will be held to encourage physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
The centres will also organise activities such as storytelling sessions, painting, craft and pottery workshops, nutritional counselling, health programmes, outdoor tours and indoor and outdoor games.
At least five to six special programmes will be organised every year. These can include events for International Yoga Day, Senior Citizens' Day and national festivals.
Centres can operate inside RWAs and village chaupals
The scheme allows residents welfare associations, central group housing societies and registered societies or trusts, among others, to run the centres.
However, eligible centres must have at least 200 members. They will also have to remain open for a minimum of five days a week and seven hours a day, with operating hours falling between 7 am and 8 pm.
The annual Rs 2.4 lakh assistance will come in two equal instalments. Centre operators will have to provide the facilities required under the scheme and run the centres from community spaces.
Monthly medical camps for seniors
The recreational centres will also have a health support component. Monthly medical camps will be organised for senior citizens, while first-aid kits will remain available at the centres for basic medical assistance.
The centres will maintain contact with nearby police stations and hospitals so that seniors can get quicker assistance during emergencies.
The government will also prioritise programmes for women, persons with disabilities and transgender people.
The scheme is designed not only to provide seniors with a place to spend their leisure time, but also to encourage regular social interaction and activities within their own neighbourhoods.
(With TOI inputs)
