Only one old-age home functioning in Haryana

As just one old-age home is functional in the government sector in Haryana, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has directed the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Social Justice and Empowerment; Chief Administrator, Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP); Director, Development and Panchayats Department; and Director, Town and Country Planning Department “for the expeditious construction of old-age homes in all districts” of Haryana.

Across 22 districts of Haryana, just one old-age home is functional, located in Rewari. Even there, 90% of rooms remain unutilised. Against a capacity of 170 inmates, only 12 people (nine men and three women) are currently residing there.

Additionally, the facility is in bad shape—the shutters of the kitchen shelves were found missing, and boxes containing food items were left exposed. Only one sanitation worker is deployed to maintain hygiene across the entire premises, which was found lacking during inspection. One of the washrooms, which was inspected, required proper sanitation and maintenance.

These facts came to light during a hearing before the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) regarding the construction of old-age homes in all districts.

The Bench, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra (retd), member (judicial) Kuldip Jain (retd), and member Deep Bhatia, also conducted a virtual inspection of the Rewari old-age home via video call.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, mandates the establishment of old-age homes. Section 19 of the Act states: “The state government may establish and maintain such number of old-age homes at accessible places, as it may deem necessary, in a phased manner, beginning with at least one in each district…”

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and, via a communication dated July 12, 2019, directed the HHRC to implement welfare schemes under the Act, including the establishment of old-age homes.

“The present complaints have been pending for approximately seven years. It appears that the construction of old-age homes in the State of Haryana is progressing at a snail's pace,” stated the HHRC order dated April 3.

According to a status report from the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, dated April 1 and submitted to the HHRC, in Jhajjar, Palwal, Panipat, Rohtak, and Sirsa, land has yet to be identified for the construction of old-age homes. In Charkhi Dadri, Gurugram, Kaithal, Mahendragarh, and Nuh, land has been identified, and the construction process is “currently under progress”.

In Bhiwani, a land allotment proposal has been forwarded to the Development and Panchayats Department while in Ambala, the District Social Welfare Officer has been directed to submit a detailed proposal for construction.

In Faridabad, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Kurukshetra, Sonepat, and Yamunanagar, approvals are still awaited from the Town and Country Planning Department, Chief Administrator of the HSVP, and ACS, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, noted the HHRC.

In Karnal, construction is underway under the Smart City project, while in Panchkula, it is under the Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board.

'Dignity must be safeguarded'

“It is a matter of profound concern that senior citizens, who have contributed a lifetime of experience to the fabric of society, often find themselves vulnerable, neglected, and marginalised in their later years. Their rights, dignity, and overall well-being must be safeguarded.” — HHRC order