Amid coronavirus induced nationwide lockdown, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Mothers Old Age Home and State Home for Women in the city on April 26th, 2020. The Chief Minister interacted with the inmates at both the places besides taking stock of their health condition and availability of food and medicines. The Chief Minister also distributed nutritious food items and sanitizers for the inmates.
While visiting Mothers Old Age Home at Hatigaon in Guwahati, the Chief Minister appreciated Monalisa Society that runs the Home for its humanitarian service provided to the elderly inmates. He said that the service provided by the Society is very encouraging and a praiseworthy example of human compassion. He said that the State government is also extending all possible support in successfully running the Home.
Further saying that the lockdown is being enforced to ensure good health and safety of the citizens, the Chief Minister said that as elderly persons fall within the vulnerable category, there is a need to ensure regular health check-up for them besides providing nutritious food to boost their immunity.
He also informed that the State Government is putting in its best efforts to provide help and support to the elderly and destitute and all departments of the government are working with ‘Team Assam’ spirit to defeat the scourge of novel coronavirus.
The Chief Minister during his visit to the State Home of Women at Jalukbari in the city, which is run by the Social Welfare Department, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi by declaring nationwide lockdown has given an opportunity to the people to keep themselves safe through maintaining social distancing. He said that keeping this in view the Social Welfare Department has been directed to ensure safety and well being of the inmates staying in different shelter homes across the State.
Stating that maintaining cleanliness in everyday life provides us an effective shield against the attack of any disease, the Chief Minister urged the inmates to keep themselves aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 pandemic and remain fully cautious.
He informed them about the precautionary measures which are to be taken for self-protection against novel coronavirus infection. The Chief Minister further said that daily exercise and yoga are very essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body and asked the Superintendent of the Women Home to adequately focus on extracurricular activities for the children inmates. He also distributed masks among staff and inmates at the centre.
The Chief Minister during the visit also enquired about the quality of food being served to the inmates and measures taken for the education of the children and adolescents staying at the Home.
Santana Das Mahanta, Superintendent of the State Home for Women informed the Chief Minister that presently there are 77 inmates, out of which 22 are below 18 years. She said that regular classes are being held for them through a home tutor. Few of the students attend school and bridge course under SSA has also been introduced for the illiterate elderly inmates, she informed.
Further informing that a centre for vocational training and production is being run by the Home for inmates above 18 years, the Superintendent said that the State Home for Women constitutes of Children Home, Observation Home, Transit Home and Home for the destitute. Presently, there are 60 staff who are rendering service to the inmates at the Home.
The Chief Minister while returning from the State Home for Women also paid a short visit to Assam Sishu Kalyan Sadan and interacted with the children at the centre.
Photo credit: @CMOfficeAssam
