Many Old Aged Homes not functional
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 26 2011:
As many as 20 Old Aged Homes run by various NGOs in the state under grants of the government are found to be non-functioning.
There are 20 such homes in the state run by several NGOs under the sponsorship of Ministry of Social Justice.
Out of these, three are in Imphal East, five in Imphal West, three in Churachandpur, two in Bishnupur, six in Thoubal and one in Chandel.
During an investigation by Hueiyen Lanpao, almost all the homes in Imphal East and West were found in non-functioning and even some homes were found abandoned.
As per the record of the government, Community Development Society, Palace Compound, Bashikhong Chanura Sinlong Lup Bashikhong Kitna Pannung, Ima Leimarel Women's Welfare Association Kongba Nongthombam Leikai of Imphal East and United Hill People Development Society Naga River Colony, Manipur Schedule Caste Welfare Association Masjid Road, Parents' Devotee Congress, Langthabal Mantrikhong, All Manipur Schedule Caste Welfare Association, Manipur Deaf and Mute Association, Wahengbam Leikai of Imphal West are running Old Aged Homes in the two districts.
When the homes were visited, most of the homes could not be located.
There were no elders in the Old Aged Home at Naga River Colony.
Only the signboard of the home was found hanging above the office.
A home at Langthabal Mantrikhong was also found without any lodge.
Homes at Masjid Road and Bashikhong Kitna Pannung could not be traced.
Moreover local people were not aware of the NGOs who were running the homes.
The home at Langthabal Mantrikhong was run by late Sorokhaibam Mani who used to run the home at his own expense.
However he could not continue running the home since he could not get any grant from the government, said Suraj son of Late Mani.
He also expressed his desire to continue the home if he gets grants from the government.
A home run by Ima Leimarel Women's Welfare Association at Kongba Nongthombam Leikai was found working in full swing.
NGOs running such homes are provided a grant of ' 5 lakhs with 20 percent share for the NGO.
Ministry of Justice selects the NGOs with recommendation of the state Social Welfare Department only after police verification and submission of utilization certificate.
Unfortunately, the inclusion of several homes in the record of the department has raised the question if NGOs are earning bulk amounts in the name of Old Age Homes.
Director, Social Welfare Department Satyabati said that the department does not sanction the amount to the homes.
The grant money is sanctioned by the Ministry to the NGOs directly.
The role of the department is to look after the working of the homes and recommend for further grant.
She said that she will look after the working of the homes and will take up necessary action against NGOs who are not functioning.
She is not aware of the present condition of the homes since she is new to the post, she said.
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