CHANDIGARH: Punjab Government has released an amount of Rs.10.00 crore for the current financial year 2023-24 for the construction of old age homes Mansa and Barnala. This was expressed by Social Security Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur here today.
Divulging in this regard, the Cabinet Minister said that the scheme of Old Age Home is being run by the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development. Under Section 19 of the Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, the department provides senior citizens Home will be established in all districts of Punjab.
Under this act, provision is made to manage old age homes for destitute senior citizens and provide shelter to the needy and infirm. Apart from taking care of the elderly, food, clothing, shelter and medical facilities are also provided free of cost to these elderly.
The minister said that the 3.5 acre (29353 square yard) old age home to be constructed at District Mansa has a capacity of 24 rooms for 72 beneficiaries. 60% of its work has been completed.
Apart from this, the 26 kanal 17 marle (31827 sq. yd) Senior Citizen Home to be constructed at District Barnala has a capacity of 24 rooms for 72 beneficiaries. 82% of the work of this old age home has been completed.
She said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is continuously making efforts for the welfare of the elderly. Various schemes are being run by the state Government in this regard. Continuous efforts will be made to create a suitable environment for the elderly in these old age homes to be built, so that the standard of living of the elderly can be raised.
Minister instructed the officials of the department to ensure transparency and quality in the works of old age homes Mansa and Barnala and to use the funds efficiently and effectively.