earlier scene" data-caption="Elderly Rabari woman at Nadapa village, east of Kucth. Black white close up from earlier scene" data-credit="Meanest Indian/Flickr">
NEW DELHI -- With the breakdown of the joint family structure rendering elderly parents homeless, the Aam Aadmi Party-government in Delhi is building old-age homes for senior citizens to have a roof over their heads.
In an interview with The Hindu, Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Sandeep Kumar said that these old-age homes are expected to be ready in two-and-a-half years.
"With the breakdown of the joint family structure, the need for opening homes for senior citizens is being increasingly felt," said Kumar.
"Whether we like it or not, senior citizens are being compelled by family circumstances to take shelter in institutions in the last days of their life. So the government is taking steps in this regard," he said.
The social welfare department, Kumar said, is also building facilities for persons with mental disabilities, and those who are visually impaired.
"Care of the mentally challenged is very difficult for poor families. So, many of them are abandoned and need special care in government homes," said Kumar.
The AAP government will also build the first hostel for visually-impaired girls, The Hindu reported.
"Girl students face safety issues in private hostels. This is the reason why a hostel for the visually challenged girl students is being constructed," he said.
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