CM Pema Khandu's assistance brings smiles to Living Home inmates

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Overwhelmed with emotions witnessing the services rendered by the Deepak Nabam Living Home, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu Tuesday announced a donation of Rs 50 lakh from his personal account.

Mentally disturbed people, orphans, destitute, old-age people and addicts live in the 'Deepak Nabam Living Home' situated at Senki View here. It is run by Nabam and his wife ProtimaNabam without any assistance from the government or any organization.

"On the occasion of my second son's birthday in January this year, I asked one of my staffers to look out for a destitute home or an orphanage doing commendable job so that I can offer some amount for a grand meal to the inmates. He selected Deepak Nabam Living Home in the State capital," recounted Khandu.

He went on to disclose that his personal staff shared a few video clips that he had taken of the institute.

"What I saw shook my conscience. I never knew someone was rendering such a great service to humanity. I saw that there were many inmates but the living condition and the infrastructure was very poor. Literally, it broke my heart," added Khandu.

He then enquired around and was shocked to know that the home received no funds or assistance from any central or State government schemes. It was being solely run by Deepak Nabam from his own resources with some assistance from few well-wishers. "I decided to visit the Home. Our government is committed to welfare of destitute, orphans, old-age people and addicts equally just like other citizens," Khandu revealed.

Going around the Home and interacting with the inmates, Khandu lauded Nabam, his wife and the volunteers for their yeoman services. He though felt the urgency to improve the Home's infrastructure with proper facilities.

"Creating infrastructure is not a big deal for the government but what matters is upkeep, proper use and sustenance of the created infrastructure," the chief minister said.

Khandu assured to fulfill all requirements of the Home like a common kitchen, male ward, flood protection, security fencing, drainage, etc and expressed confidence that these assets would be put to good use by Nabam.

He further said that many such NGOs are doing great service to humanity across the state, which needs handholding by the government.

Khandu added that in the ensuing e-Pragati meeting, he would direct all Deputy Commissioners to submit the list of such NGOs so that government could decide a mechanism to help them through the department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs (SJETA).

The Chief Minister informed that the state government would offer grant-in-aid to such NGOs instead of the in-practice Corpus Fund adding, low interest rates of Corpus Funds offered by banks hardly benefit the concerned NGO.

"Deepak Nabam is doing a great job but he alone cannot sustain. He has done to the limit of his personal resources. Now the government has to step in and all well-to-do citizens need to chip in. We throw huge amounts of money in politics, can't we contribute a little to such NGOs?" wondered Khandu.

The Chief Minister along with SJETA Minister AloLibang and officials inaugurated a newly constructed Half-way Home building besides flagging off an ambulance.

Established in 2015, the Home has so far provided shelter to 1500 inmates along the years. Many recovered or found a home and left. For 160 inmates the Home still is their only hope and shelter.

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