Delhi to fund Vayo Anand recreation centres for senior citizens

Carrom boards, ludo, books and yoga sessions are among the facilities planned at Delhi’s proposed Vayo Anand recreational centres for senior citizens.

The Delhi government will provide ₹2.4 lakh in financial assistance to organisations developing the centres, which are intended as places where older residents can meet, play indoor games and join social activities. Seating, fans, coolers, televisions and computers are also planned, along with newspapers and magazines.

Each centre must have at least 200 members aged 60 or above. They are to remain open at least five days a week for a minimum of seven hours a day, within operating hours of 7am to 8pm. The government has said centres should have ventilation and toilet facilities, with preference for ground-floor locations or buildings with lifts.

Programmes will give priority to women, persons with disabilities and transgender senior citizens. Centres will also stay in contact with nearby police stations and hospitals for emergency assistance.