(1) The State Government may establish and maintain such number of oldage homes at accessible places, as it may deem necessary, in a phased manner, beginning with at least one in each district to accommodate in such homes a minimum of one hundred and fifty senior citizens who are indigent.
(2) The State Government may, prescribe a scheme for management of oldage homes, including the standards and various types of services to be provided by them which are necessary for medical care and means of entertainment to the inhabitants of such homes.
Explanation.— For the purposes of this section, "indigent" means any senior citizen who is not having sufficient means, as determined by the State Government, to maintain himself.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 19
Section 19 mandates State Governments to establish and maintain registered old age homes in accessible locations in each district, accommodating indigent senior citizens in dignity.
In cases of completely abandoned elderly persons lacking family or relatives, move an urgent application before the District Social Welfare Officer and SDM under Section 19 requesting immediate admission into the district government-notified old age home.