New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) The Delhi government will develop recreational centres for elderly people in the city under its ‘Vayo Anand’ scheme, which will be launched soon, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday.
The centres will remain open between 7 am and 8 pm, at least five days a week, with a minimum of seven hours of operation a day, she said.
The government will provide annual financial assistance of Rs 2.40 lakh, or Rs 20,000 per month, to organisations running the centres under the scheme. The amount will be released in two equal half-yearly instalments, the CM added.
The scheme may also cover centres operating through resident welfare associations (RWAs), cooperative group housing societies (CGHS) and community spaces such as chaupals, according to a statement issued by the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office.
The centres will provide senior citizens a comfortable environment to spend their leisure time, play indoor games, interact with one another and participate in social activities, it said.
Yoga and meditation classes will also be organised at the centres. In addition, they will have monthly medical camps and first-aid kits.
Gupta said senior citizens of Delhi are an “invaluable asset” to society and ensuring their dignity, health, active lifestyle and social engagement is a priority of her government.
The centres will provide indoor games such as carrom and ludo, seating arrangements, fans, coolers, televisions and computers. Newspapers, magazines and books will also be made available, the statement said.
International Yoga Day, Senior Citizens’ Day and national festivals will be celebrated at the centres, with at least five to six such programmes organised every year.
Keeping the convenience of senior citizens in mind, preference will be given to centres located on the ground floor or in buildings equipped with lifts. Priority will also be given to programmes for women, persons with disabilities and transgender senior citizens.
The centres will also remain in contact with nearby police stations and hospitals for quick assistance in case of an emergency.
Under the scheme, recreational centres must have at least 200 members aged 60 years or above, the statement said. PTI VIT SMV NB
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