P’kula old age home residents removed as MC ends contract

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Civic body says operator failed to meet contractual conditions

Panchkula, September 30

Elderly residents of an old age home in Sector 27 here were removed from the facility after the Panchkula Municipal Corporation (MC) terminated the contract of the agency operating it, with the residents alleging that the action was taken before their concerns were addressed.

The civic body said the agency had been awarded the contract to operate the facility but failed to fulfil the stipulated conditions, leaving it with no option but to terminate the agreement.

On the removal of the residents, municipal officials said the matter would be looked into.

The residents, however, alleged that the MC had failed to provide adequate support for basic facilities at the home. They said show-cause notices were subsequently issued and the contract was cancelled.

According to the residents, they received a notice about a week ago and its stipulated period ended on Tuesday. They also said they had submitted a complaint to the Chief Secretary seeking intervention before the civic body took action.

The residents appealed against their removal, saying they should not be subjected to what they described as unfair treatment.

The development has raised concerns over arrangements for elderly residents following the termination of the operator’s contract. It was not immediately clear where the residents had been moved or whether alternative accommodation had been arranged for them.

Further details on the reasons for their removal and arrangements for their accommodation are awaited.