Shelter homes set up for poor

Jaswant Shetra
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, December 29

In view of inclement weather, the Jagraon Municipal Council has set up temporary night shelters for homeless people. The civic body has commenced the service at half a dozen places to offer reprieve to poor from severe cold conditions.

According to the Jagraon Municipal Council officials, temporary night shelters have been set up at the Community Hall on Raikot Road, Agwar Dala, Agwar Lopon, Adda Raikot, Railway Station, near Bus Stand and Bajwa Colony.

These arrangements have been made following the instructions of the Supreme Court of India and the state government to provide shelter to homeless people in winters, especially during night.

The civic body along with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has also arranged blankets for poor. “Any homeless person can stay in these night shelters from 6 pm to 8 am. However, nobody will be allowed to stay in them permanently,” said Jagraon Municipal Council executive officer Amrinder Singh.

He added that the Municipal Council has also been trying to reach homeless people through various mediums.

“Besides, we have also formed a team to check railway station, bus stand and other prominent places. Wherever our team will find homeless people, the later will be asked to at night shelters,” said Amrinder.

It is pertinent to mention that the Jagraon Municipal Council had made a permanent night shelter for poor a few years ago. However, the shelter home used to remain closed for most of the time due to which homeless people had no option but to spend nights in the open.

“Nobody wants to stay in the open during winters. We often spot homeless people shivering in cold as they have no place to stay warm. By providing night shelter to homeless people, the Municipal Council has really done a good work and they must be praised for this,” said Baldev Singh, a Jagraon-based social activist.