One in two senior citizens suffers from loneliness, and almost every fifth senior in the country is in need of some psychological counselling, reveals a 2017 study conducted by New Delhi-based non-profit Agewell Foundation.
But Raipur is not having it! To help its senior citizens fight loneliness, the state capital is using an innovative project called ‘Bapu ki Kutiya.’
Under this, over 50 attractive hut sheds are being set up in gardens and public places, exclusively for senior citizens where they can not only interact with each other but play games and watch television too.
Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh inaugurated the first such facility at the collectorate garden on Saturday, reports the Times of India.
The facility with tables, chairs, coolers, television and radio sets, accommodates over 30-35 persons at a time. It was set up at a budget of Rs 15 lakh by the Raipur Smart City Limited.
Apart from board games like chess and carrom, the elderly persons will also be provided with newspapers and journals, Raipur collector OP Chaudhary told PTI.
Since maintenance is always an issue, the district authorities have decided to get social groups and organisations who are working or are willing to work for the welfare of the elderly persons, on board.
In fact, the construction of huts is only being sanctioned, as per the demand made by social organisations, after they give complete assurance to maintain it.
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“We will only be funding the construction of the structure and initial facilities. Later it will be looked after by social organisations,” said Chaudhary.
Well, Raipur has taken one step forward with this novel initiative for its elderly citizens! We hope many more cities join hands to replicate the model or come up with such innovative projects!
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