Old age homes in Gujarat all set to triple

GANDHINAGAR: In a reflection of changing social mores, the Gujarat government decided to increase the number of old age homes in the state to serve the rising need for elderly persons without family support.
The government presently runs five old age homes and recently sanctioned ten more. The new old age homes will come up in Amreli, Porbandar, Botad, Somnath, Dev Bhoomi Dwarka, Dangs, Aravali, Tapi, Chhota Udepur and Valsad districts.
In addition, the state government provides grants to 45 social organisations that run old age homes in various parts of Gujarat. The government has decided to increase funding to these institutions as well.
All the new old age homes sanctioned, will come up in smaller cities of the state and the government has drawn up a long-term plan to establish old age homes in all districts. To begin with, these ten new old age homes will be set up in rented premises and the government will construct its own buildings gradually.
Principal secretary of the social justice and empowerment department, Manoj Agrawal, said, “The demand for new old age homes is there because of various reasons. Initially, we will accommodate 50 persons in each of these. Their capacity will be increased soon.”
Agrawal added that while NGOs running old age homes will get bigger grants, the state government will not fund private old age homes. “Our criteria will be to assist only those who cannot afford to private old age homes and do not have family support,” the official said.
Sociologist Gaurang Jani welcomed the government decision, saying it is encouraging that the government has realised the need to set up more old age homes. “With changing family patterns, there will be a need to have more such homes for the aged. In several instances, children live abroad or in other parts of the country. Such homes will help the elderly live with dignity,” he said.