New Delhi (Aryavarth): The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in India has unveiled a new series of measures aimed at improving the operation and efficiency of Senior Citizens’ Homes, more commonly known as Old Age Homes. This initiative forms part of the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
The Ministry provides grant-in-aid to non-governmental and voluntary organizations to run and maintain these homes. This support is designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the nation’s senior citizens, ensuring they have access to the care and assistance they need in their later years.
Several key steps have been taken to increase the efficiency of the Senior Citizens’ Homes under the IPSrC. A significant move is the establishment of a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) by the Ministry, specifically tasked with overseeing the projects under the scheme.
Further enhancing the transparency and security within these homes, the Ministry mandated the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the premises from 2020-21. Not only does this provide an additional layer of safety for the residents, but it also holds the implementing organizations accountable for the day-to-day operations and conditions within the homes.
Additionally, the implementing organizations are now required to maintain websites displaying information about the homes, including live feeds from the CCTV cameras. This development brings about a new level of transparency, allowing concerned parties, including relatives of the residents, to monitor the conditions and activities within the homes remotely.
In a financial transparency move, the Ministry of Finance has also implemented the Expenditure Advanced Transfer (EAT) module of the Public Finance Management System (PFMS). This system requires implementing agencies to demonstrate how the grant-in-aid provided by the government is ultimately spent.
The process of releasing the grant-in-aid is continuous, dependent on the receipt of proposals and the requisite supporting documents submitted on the e-Anudaan portal. All financial transactions and proposals are subject to the conditions of the General Financial Rules, 2017, ensuring that financial accountability and governance are maintained.
This information was relayed by Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written response during a Rajya Sabha session.