PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, Dec 17: Eastern India’s 1st old age home, Sainik Vanprasth Ashram for retired soldiers is all set to provide its services from 14 January 2022. The ashram is set up in Manjhatoli, Raidih block of Gumla district by the Soldiers Welfare Board.
The ‘Vanprasth Ashram’ will accommodate as many as 50 retired soldiers, war widows or widows of deceased soldiers. The facility will operate out of a building that was built by the tourism department and will be run by a non-profit organization.
Brigadier (Rtd.) BG Pathak, the director of SWB said that due to corona infection only 20 will be accommodated at first and after that rest 30 will also be accommodated later on. They will be provided with food, medical care, newspaper and various sources of entertainment.
“The committee formed for the old age home will decide the fees which will be according to the rooms availed by the individual. There are individual A/C and non A/C rooms as well as a dormitory as per the requirements of the individual,” Pathak said.
“Two years ago, we had placed a proposal for this military home before the Governor through our state managing committee. The idea of the home was mooted after witnessing the plight of former soldiers who are living in remote hamlets after their retirements.” Pathak further added.
On the question of developing more old age homes in Jharkhand, he said that on the basis of the current response, more old age homes will be set up at different locations across the state.
“If the rooms at the old age home go vacant then other persons apart from the retired soldiers will also be provided the facility,” he informed.
Notably, the set-up of ‘Vanprasth Ashram’ was inaugurated by the then governor of Jharkhand Droupadi Murmu on March 31 this year.
