Telangana HC takes cognizance of the deplorable condition of Old Age Homes; seeks report from state authorities on funding, inspections

Taking note of the the deplorable condition of old age homes in the State, the Telangana High Court yesterday directed the Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, and the Principal Secretary, Women and Child Welfare, to file a report on issues concerning these homes..In this regard, Advocate General B S Prasad and Government Pleader Sanjeev Kunar have been asked to file a report on behalf of the respondents by June 23 with regard to the following issues,The number of old age homes which are registered, or not registered, which are functioning within Hyderabad/ Secunderabad/ Ranga Reddy District;The funding, that is being released by the Government for the maintenance, upkeep, and for providing the basic necessities and infrastructure in these homes;The number of times that these homes have been inspected by the Officers of the concerned Department. In case, the Homes are notbeing inspected on a monthly basis, the reason as to why the Government is ignoring the plight of the elderly inmates..The High Court further directed the respondents to immediately create a Helpline and publicize the number of the Helpline through electronic and print media, and to make it known to the inmates of all the old age homes functioning in the State..The Bench of Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy added,."If a complaint is received on the Helpline/Hotline, the same should be attended immediately, both by the Department, and by the concerned Police Station. In case, any action needs to be taken by the Police, with regard to any alleged offence, the Police shall take the action immediately."Telangana High Court.The Court has directed that a copy of this Order was to be circulated to the NGOs running the old age homes and companies in the Private Sector. The Court has urged the respondents to explore the possibility of seeking the cooperation of the Corporate Sector under their Corporate Social Responsibility..The Court was acting on a Report submitted by the Member Secretary, Telangana State Legal Services Authority, with regard to the functioning of the Mamatha old age home, following an inspection..Advocate Vasudha Nagaraj, the amicus curiae, appointed by the High Court, further apprised it about the pitiable condition of these homes through an interim report submitted on June 13.."The picture revealed by the Interim Report is, indeed, shocking. For, the picture clearly reveals that the fundamental rights of the elderly inmates are being violated, both by the Managers, who are supposed to run the Homes, and certainly by the State Government, who is legally bound to register, to maintain, to inspect, to fund, and to lookafter the rights of the elderly population", the Court found..Before parting with the order, the Court has also asked the State authorities to consider the possibility of having the old age homes along with orphanage children homes, shelter homes, and other homes, which are run under the Juvenile Justice Act. .The Court explained, "In case, the children were placed under the guidance and the care of the elderly people, such an arrangement will create a symbiotic relationship between the elderly people, who will get a chance to guide the children, and the children who desperately require the guidance from the adults.".The government has been directed to inform the Court whether such an arrangement can be made throughout the State. The matter will be heard next on June 24..Read the Order here: