Govt's `Ummid' scheme gets good response

MARGAO: A government sponsored scheme for day care centres to senior citizens called `Ummid', has been enthusiastically implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Director of social welfare department N B Narvekar told TOI that around 10 to 12 NGOs have already implemented the scheme in different parts of the state like Mapusa, Sanvordem and Ponda.
The notification by the Directorate of Social Welfare initially aimed at starting the scheme in the municipal areas and in village panchayats having 11 members, with the local self-government authorities providing accommodation consisting of a minimum of two rooms (each having an area of 25 sq m) on the ground floor with toilet and bathroom facility and providing for one full time attendant for 10 enrolled members.
However, not a single local self-government body evinced interest, following which the government relaxed the norms and allowed NGOs to take over, said Narvekar.
He also pointed out that the Rs 60,000 per annum income limit, for those who are 60 years and above, was also relaxed. The NGOs should be registered bodies and have their premises to avail of the scheme.
Recently, the Navelim panchayat decided to implement the scheme and at the last gram sabha sarpanch Raul Pereira said space could be provided at the new panchayat ghar.
A senior citizen at the gram sabha mentioned the scheme and the members participating at the meeting unanimously asked the panchayat to consider implementing it.
The government-sponsored scheme provides for taking care of elders and helps in bringing them together to prevent isolation. It enables them to interact with each other to enjoy watching TV and listening to the radio. They will also get refreshments for which a monthly allowance is provided.
Narvekar said there are around 1.19 lakh senior citizens in the state and yearly grant for the first year works out at Rs 1.40 lakh.
While Rs 30,000 will be spent on buying recreation sets and facilities to provide comfort, Rs 1.10 lakh is a recurring expenditure. The grant for the second year onwards will be as per the utilization certificates.
The scheme aims at ensuring good physical and mental health and providing the senior citizens with their daily requirements like spectacles and walking aids besides providing various grants for newspapers/periodicals, telephone, sweeping and cleaning, TV/radio and light refreshment /tea to the members.