Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 12: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Viklang Chattra Trust seeking better care of old age home, Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Alok Aradhe has directed the State to file status report.
After hearing Advocate Veenu Gupta for the PIL whereas Advocate General asssited by Govt Advocate Sudesh Magotra appearing for the State, the DB observed that pursuant to the earlier order, the status report has been filed by Chief Secretary, which reveals that financial approval of the State Government for construction of old age homes for men, women as well as Bal Ashrams for boys and girls was accorded on 24th July, 2017.
“Several pieces of lands have been identified for construction of old age homes. However, the status of the steps taken towards establishing these old age homes as well as the land position is not forthcoming on the record”, the DB observed and directed Secretary Social Welfare Department to place on record tabulation of the land available as well as status of possession thereof; the financial sanction(s) and approval(s) for construction of old age homes in different districts of the State.
DB further observed, “apart from the residential facilities in the nature of old age homes, there is another example which secure the interests of the old age, as is available in States of Uttranchal, Haryana as well as in Delhi wherein day care centres have been set up which are being run by NGOs. This example is cost effective, highly productive and deserves to be emulated”.
“The State Legal Services Authorities are required to ensure working and availability of benefits of the Social Welfare Schemes to the eligible beneficiaries”, the DB said and impleaded J&K Legal Services Authority through its Member-Secretary as respondent in the petition.
DB directed Member-Secretary, J&K State Legal Services Authority as well as District Legal Services Authorities, to ensure that the Govt. schemes are given due publicity and that the benefits are made available to the eligible persons in their respective districts.
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