Telangana to open senior citizen day care centres in every district

To combat loneliness among the elderly, the Telangana government will set up day care centres in all districts under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. With Rs. 4.61 crore allocated, each centre will offer health, nutrition, and recreational support.

Karimnagar: To address loneliness and lack of social engagement among the elderly, the Telangana State government has announced the establishment of day care centres for senior citizens across the State. At least one centre is proposed in each district.

With many senior citizens living alone after their children moved away for employment, or settled abroad, a large number of elderly residents are facing isolation and limited social support. While retired persons’ associations do exist, they mainly focus on welfare entitlements and do not function as recreational hubs. As a result, there are few dedicated spaces where the elderly can spend their time meaningfully.

---

Taking note of this issue, BRS working president and former Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, KT Rama Rao, had set up a pilot day care centre for senior citizens in Yellareddypet mandal of his Sircilla Assembly constituency in 2022.

Based on this model, the State government has now decided to scale up the initiative across Telangana. Apart from two centres each in Hyderabad, Hanamkonda, Rangareddy, and Medchal districts, a total of 37 centres will be established across 29 districts under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).

A monthly allocation of Rs. 4.61 crore has been earmarked for the maintenance of these centres, with each centre receiving Rs. 90,000. The Department of Senior Citizens Welfare will oversee operations.

Each centre will accommodate up to 50 persons and will feature a kitchen, doctor’s room, spacious hall, library, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. To support physical and mental well-being, centres will provide equipment for exercise, memory games, carroms, chess, meditation, yoga, and monthly medical check-ups.

Medicines will be provided free of cost, and nutrition support including Raagi Java, fruit juices, upma, tea, biscuits, and other refreshments will be served regularly.