State neglects its old age homes

There are few homes, and the facilities even in these are poor

Old age homes are lying in utter neglect in state. There is no one in the government to effectively monitor the functioning of old age homes either running in government sector or those run by NGOs.

As per the Centre’s Act brought in 2007 which was adopted by undivided AP government in 2011, the state has to establish an old age home in each district headquarters town.

It could establish only three so far — in Ranga Reddy, Karimnagar and Warangal districts with just over 110 inmates, leaving the rest of the 28 districts uncovered.

There are 32 old age homes run by NGOs. As per norms, NGOs have to register with the government to run old age homes after complying with norms on ensuring suitable accommodation and secured premises. Only 12 out of the 32 have got themselves registered.

Even out of three government old age homes, the two in Ranga Reddy and Karimnagar are not exclusively for senior citizens; persons with disabilities are also being accommodated.

In the Karimnagar old age home, none of the rooms have attached bathrooms or toilets. The doors of are badly damaged. Out of the six toilets, only one is a western commode.

In an old age home run by an NGO in Mahbubnagar district, all the 25 senior citizens were accommodated in seven small rooms in a private kutcha house with asbestos sheet roof.

There are only two toilets and bathrooms. The bathrooms are located around 40 yards away from the living rooms, this posed inconvenience for senior citizens.

There is no running water facility in the home and the water storage tub has been placed at a distance.

Despite all these deficiencies, the district-level committee comprising the district collector, revenue divisional officer and assistant director endorsed and recommended the NGOs claims for sanctioning of grants-in-aid year after year.

Minister for women, child welfare and senior citizens Tummala Nageshwara Rao initiated measures to set right the things in old age homes after the recent CAG report tabled in the Assembly pointed out grave irregularities and deficiencies in running the old age homes.

The minister directed collectors to issue instructions to officials concerned for conducting special drive for registration of old age homes run by NGO under their jurisdiction irrespective of source of funding.

The government has set up just 3 old age homes; only 12 of 32 homes run in the private sector are registered.

In many of the old age homes, toilets are located away from the living room.

One home packed 25 aged persons in seven rooms.