Delhi proposes free recreation centres for residents aged 60 and above

Delhi has proposed free neighbourhood centres for residents aged 60 and above, offering games, yoga, reading material and health activities under the Vayo Anand Yojana.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said eligible centres would receive Rs 2.4 lakh a year in two equal half-yearly instalments. Resident welfare associations, central group housing societies, registered societies and trusts could run them from community spaces and village chaupals.

To qualify, each centre would need at least 200 members and would have to operate at least five days a week for seven hours a day between 7am and 8pm. Proposed facilities include seating, toilets, fans or coolers, televisions, computers, and indoor games such as carrom and ludo.

The plan includes newspapers, books, yoga and meditation classes, monthly medical camps and first-aid kits. Centres would remain in contact with nearby police stations and hospitals for emergency assistance, and organise five or six special programmes a year, including events for Yoga Day and Senior Citizens’ Day.