Dip in number of old age homes, rehab centres for widows

The government has recorded a considerable decline in number of old age homes and centres for the rehabilitation of widows in the country. There has also been a slash in central funds to maintain these centres as well. 

To ensure the rehabilitation of women without any social or economic support, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing two shelter-based central sector schemes – Swadhar and Short Stay Home. 

Besides, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing an Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP), under which grants are given to old age homes, daycare centres, mobile medicare units and multi-facility care centre for older widows.

At present, there are 311 Swadhar homes with a capacity of 17,760 and 322 short stay homes that can accommodate 9,660 women. Under the Swadhar scheme, the amount released for 2015-16 (as on 8 December 2015) is Rs 776.89 lakh against Rs 1,660.32 lakh in 2014-15 and Rs 2,018.55 lakh in 2013-14. Rs 1,810.16 lakh was allocated for short stay home in 2014-15 less than Rs 2,987.31 lakh in 2013-14, while Rs 2,860.05 lakh was allocated in 2012-13. For 2015-16, no amount has been sanctioned under this scheme. 

For 2014-15, Rs 146.76 lakh was allocated to West Bengal under the short stay home scheme. The highest was Rs 249.49 lakh given to UP the same year. Regarding Swadhar scheme, West Bengal received Rs 25.78 lakh in 2015-16, while the highest Rs 253.49 lakh was again allocated to UP.

Under the IPOP, there are 137 old age homes in the country, which were offered an assistance of Rs 528.71 lakh in 2015-16 (as on December 2, 2015). The figures have correspondingly dipped in the last two years. For 2013-14, the number of old age homes that were assisted is 187 receiving Rs 936.29 lakh for the year. 

In 2015-16, West Bengal received Rs 23.16 lakh, while the highest beneficiary of the scheme is Karnataka at Rs 132.23 lakh. 

The Swadhar and short stay home schemes  aim to provide primary needs of shelter, food, clothing and medical care to aged women.