Senior citizens and young lives: Care gets cash

New Delhi: The Delhi government will launch the Vayo Anand scheme for senior citizens and construct an integrated complex for children in juvenile reform homes, and has allocated Rs 25 crore and Rs 18 crore, respectively, for the initiatives, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in the 2026-27 Budget.

The budget lays emphasis on social welfare and inclusive development, with targeted measures for senior citizens, vulnerable groups and children in need of care and rehabilitation.

Gupta said an overall allocation of Rs 2,392 crore has been proposed for the social welfare sector, along with Rs 227 crore specifically earmarked for the welfare of SC/ST/OBC communities. Rs 80 crore will be spent on the improvement of Scheduled Caste settlements as part of efforts towards social justice, she added. A provision of Rs 35 crore has been made for housing facilities for mentally challenged individuals in Mamurpur, Narela and Uchanpur, aimed at ensuring a life of dignity for them, the chief minister said. Announcing the ‘Vayo Anand’ scheme, Gupta said Rs 25 crore has been allocated to create platforms for recreational activities for senior citizens, with the aim of enhancing their quality of life. Under the Vayo Anand Yojna, recreational centres will be set up across the national capital with the help of elderly groups or resident welfare associations, where games and some sports activities like carom and ludo will be organised for old-age people.