After setting up a network of 118 libraries in the remotest corners of the district to create a conducive educational environment, the Jamtara district administration has embarked on a mission to develop recreational centres for senior citizens in all the six blocks including Fatehpur, Jamtara, Kamatand, Kundhit, Nala and Naryanpur. Abandoned government buildings near the block headquarters will be renovated for this purpose.

The recreational centres which will also double up as clubs and have facilities like, carrom board, ludo, chess, TV sets and others. The identification of the buildings in each of the six blocks has already been completed and funds for the renovation work have been allocated.

Talking to The Telegraph Online today, Faiz Aq Ahmad Mumtaz, Jamatara Deputy Commissioner said, “The recreational centres are meant to provide respite to these people who reel under loneliness and social isolation. These centres will be ready by December. The centres that will be managed by a committee of seniors themselves under the overall supervision of the respective block development officers, will also have newspapers, magazines, books and others. As block offices are generally posted in the market places, it will be convenient to visit the centres and help the seniors in their important activities like going to banks, government offices for pension withdrawal.”

Notably, the 118 libraries built in each of the 118 panchayats for children and youth by renovating the old building are a favourite with students preparing for various competitive examinations.