In order to provide shelter and a better living to estranged senior citizens, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will soon be starting its third old age home in the city. The construction of the home which would be located at Kali Bari Marg near Gole Market is expected to start from June. The land and Development Office (l& DO) has given 2 acres of land to the NDMC on which this old age home is to be constructed.
With 50 rooms accommodating approximately 100 men and women, this old age home is going to be the largest one to be built by the civic body. Apart from the usual facilities, they will also have monthly medical check ups to ensure their sound health. The plan and operations of the home is taken care of by the Samaj Kalyan Samiti which is under the NDMC.
“The home is not named yet. The tender will be opened on May 21 and after that the construction will soon follow. It would be open for both men and women. This is going to be the biggest home out of the three for the old people,” said RK Mukhi, administrative officer of the Samiti.
The other two old age homes currently under NDMC are named Aradhana and Sandhya. Talking about Aradhana home, which is situated at Bhagwan Das lane in Mandi House, he said, “This home is only for women above 60 years of age. It has a capacity of 27, but currently 25 women are living here because 2 of them expired recently. The two vacant seats would soon be taken as the applications of two women were already in waiting status.” Sandhya Home which is located in Netaji Nagar in South Delhi, on the other hand, has a capacity of 52 which is currently full.
“These old age homes are open for senior citizens of 60 years and above. To get a seat in one of them, a person has to apply on a prescribed format on payment of Rs20. The registration forms are available for Rs25. We also take interviews of the people before accepting their application. There are both single as well as double rooms available. However, a single room costs more where a person has to pay Rs2,100 per month,” informed an official of NDMC.