PANJIM: It is more than 35 years that the government-run old-age homes and child care centres under the aegis of Provedoria have been catering to the citizens sans donations from the public.

Speaking during the 75th-anniversary celebration of The Public Assistance Department’s Provedoria, Minister Subhash Shirodkar also raised concerns over the increasing number of old-age homes in the State with children abandoning and disrespecting parents.

Shirodkar lamented the lack of support from the citizens in form of donations towards these old-age homes and child care centres run through Provedoria. He said that the last donation that the institute received was way back in 1986.

“After 1986 we have not seen donations towards Provedoria. This means people are not keen on being part of a social cause. People’s feeling toward humanity is fading. I appeal to rich people of Goa to come forward and donate,” he said adding that government will also ensure that more grants are provided to the institute.

Shirodkar said that values like respecting elders need to be developed among youths. “It is very unfortunate to see how our youth treat elders or senior citizens. Awareness needs to be created and value and respect for the elders needs to be developed,” he said.

He said that India today is known as a country of youth but in years to come, this population will turn into senior citizens. “So it is now that we need to take steps,” he said.

Currently, there are eight homes for the aged and two children’s care centres operational under Provedoria.