Fishing to fund destitute home

A destitute home in lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh has hit upon the novel idea of letting out a fish point to visitors for a small sum to meet its day to day expenses.

Located at the remote Ziro in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, the home, founded by social worker Talyang Santi two years ago, 20 inmates.

''Mainly deserted mothers in their old age, destitutes and orphans and neglected children with various physical deformities come to us from both the districts,'' explains Shanti,in her mid-forties.

"With no help forthcoming easily, our only source of income is the fish pond from which we earn some money to keep the kitchen running," she says.

Explaining the modus-operandi, she says that visitors and patrons are allowed to fish in the pond for a fee of Rs 50 per hour. ''There are many visitors during the peak season which is from June to September. However, during the off season it is difficult for us,'' she added.

The District Collector, when contacted said it was difficult to help her since the institute was still to complete the mandatory three years to be recognised as an NGO. She also had not applied for any particular scheme as such. Still, the home has attracted the goodwill of the local people and other visitors coming to Ziro. Well wishers and patrons voluntarily contribute their share both in cash and kind for the upkeep of the home. Rice, blankets, used shoes, slippers and clothes constitute the maximum contributions.

Recently, Additional Commissioner of the government, Shamsher Singh visited the home in course of his visit to Ziro. Accompanied by the Lower Subansiri Additional Deputy Commissioner and all heads of the department, Singh while lauding the efforts of the home in rendering yeomen service to society, gave an assurance of extending all possible help from the Centre in its sincere and noble endeavour.

UNI UPB PL LS KN1702

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