Himachal HC orders inspection of old-age homes

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday directed the Member Secretaries of the District Legal Services Authorities to inspect old-age homes and submit report within two weeks as to whether efforts have been made to improve the quality of life and dignity of older persons.

The seven old-age homes are in Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice L. Narayana Swamy and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua passed the orders on a writ petition of advocate Vandana Mishra.

The court in its earlier orders had directed the state to file a status report with regard to opening of the old-age homes in all the districts within three months.

During the course of hearing, the Advocate General said the old-age homes have been functioning at seven places in five districts and proposals have also been sent to the Central government for opening seven more such homes.

However, the petitioner said it is not clear in the Advocate General's submissions that whether the centres are achieving the aim and objectives of the integrated scheme for older persons, which provide to improve the quality of life and to maintain their dignity by providing basic amenities.IANS