Crisis at Basantpur Old Age Home Due to Lack of Grant, Umang Foundation Urges Immediate Government Action
Shimla, April 9 —
The state-run old age home at Basantpur, Shimla, is facing a severe crisis due to non-receipt of the government grant.
As a result, employees have not been paid their salaries, and elderly residents are struggling to get essential medicines and treatment. Professor Ajay Srivastava, President of Umang Foundation, has written to Ashish Singhmar, Secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, demanding urgent intervention.
Professor Srivastava stated that the employees of the old age home have not been paid for the past two months because of the stalled grant.
With the budget exhausted, sick elderly residents are unable to be taken to IGMC Shimla for essential tests and treatment. One of the residents, who is experiencing blood in the urine, urgently requires medical investigation and care.
He further informed that the old age home, run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, employs 5 regular staff members, 2 daily wagers, 3 outsourced sanitation workers, and 4 security guards.
A total of 50 elderly residents live at the facility, most of whom suffer from physical or mental health issues.
An emergency vehicle is available on contract to take residents to the hospital, but due to pending payments, even this service has become irregular.
