Govt to create special shelters for old destitutes in Bihar

Patna, Mar 13 (UNI) Bihar government is evolving a special scheme to provide shelter to the old and homeless in the state.

Replying to the special debate on budgetary demand by the Welfare department at the state legislative council, Welfare Minister Rameshwar Paswan today informed the House that the state government was preparing a scheme aimed at providing succour to the old destitutes of the state.

''Any one who is above 60 years of age and no family to take care of them in their old-age would be eligible to avail the services of the proposed shelter,'' he said, adding that a separate shelter would be raised for street children, who would be provided training to earn their livelihood.

''The number of schools had been increased from 500 to 900 during the NDA regime, while the state government is planning to open 14 new residential schools soon,'' he said adding that the condition of Anganvadi Kendras had improved considerably during the last two years.

Monitoring of the Anganvadi Kendras had been increased to ensure better care of the children between the age group of zero to six years and 243 Anganvadi Sevikas found lacking in discharging their duties, had been suspended.

Mr Paswan said that the state government would initiate insurance schemes for old persons and an amout of Rs one lakh would be paid to their dependents in the event of their accidental death. Later, the house passed the budget demand of the welfare department.

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