Delhi Govt to Give Rs 2.4 Lakh Annually for Senior Citizen Recreational Centres

Senior citizens across New Delhi will soon have access to dedicated neighbourhood recreational spaces under the newly announced Vayo Anand Yojana. The Delhi government plans to provide Rs 2.4 lakh annually to support these free recreational centres.

Announcing the scheme on Friday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative aims to promote an active, healthy, and socially connected lifestyle for individuals aged 60 years and above. The government intends to help elderly residents lead a dignified and socially active life while offering safe spaces to combat loneliness.

The recreational centres will be set up to allow senior citizens to relax, interact with peers, practise yoga and meditation, and participate in various health and leisure activities. All facilities at these centres will be provided free of cost.

According to the plan, the centres will be equipped with indoor games such as carrom and ludo, alongside essential amenities including seating arrangements, fans, coolers, televisions, computers, and toilet facilities.

The spaces will be exclusively designated for senior citizens and can be operated out of community halls and village chaupals. Residents welfare associations, central group housing societies, and registered societies or trusts will be eligible to run these facilities.

Under the operational guidelines, the centres must remain open for at least five days a week and operate for a minimum of seven hours daily, within the window of 7am to 8pm.