Recreation spaces for elderly set to come up under new scheme

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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, assistance of ₹2.4 lakh will be provided to organisations for setting up recreational centres. | Photo Credit: ANI

The Delhi government will launch the ‘Vayo Anand’ scheme to set up recreational centres for senior citizens, where they can play indoor games, meet and interact with others and participate in social activities, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated on Friday (August 28).

The centres will have facilities such as carrom and ludo, seating arrangements, fans, coolers, televisions and computers. Newspapers, magazines and books will also be available, while yoga and meditation classes will be organised, added the statement.

Under the scheme, each recreational centre must have at least 200 members aged 60 or above. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, the government will provide assistance of ₹2.4 lakh to organisations for such recreational centres.

Ms. Gupta said senior citizens are an invaluable asset to society and ensuring their dignity, health, active lifestyle and social engagement was a priority of her government.

“The recreational centres will remain open for at least five days a week and a minimum of seven hours a day. These centres will operate between 7 am and 8 pm. The centres will have adequate ventilation and toilet facilities,” read the CMO statement.

Preference will be given to centres located on the ground floor or in buildings equipped with lifts. Priority will also be given to organising programmes for women, persons with disabilities and transgender senior citizens.

The centres will remain in contact with nearby police stations and hospitals for quick assistance in case of an emergency.

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