Mann Government takes major step to ensure dignity and safety of senior citizens

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with continuous sensitivity and commitment to ensure the welfare, security and dignified life of senior citizens. In this regard, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur, announced during a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh today that the state-level campaign “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” will be launched from January 16, 2026, starting from District SAS Nagar (Mohali).

Dr Baljit Kaur said that International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, and in this context, the Punjab Government has been implementing the “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” campaign since 2023. During the camps organised in 2023, a total of 20,110 registrations were recorded, under which facilities such as eye check-ups, ENT check-ups, cataract surgery screening, distribution of spectacles, pension forms, Senior Citizen Cards and Ayushman Cards were provided.

She further stated that continuing this initiative, the campaign will again be organised across the state in 2026 through district-wise camps. These camps will provide senior citizens with free health services, cataract surgeries, geriatric check-ups, ENT check-ups, yoga sessions, legal awareness and other essential services.

Dr Baljit Kaur informed that under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for the financial year 2025–26, an amount of Rs 786.83 lakh will be spent. The plan includes free medical camps, NCD and dementia screening, training of geriatric caregivers, and state-level media and awareness campaigns. In addition, a toll-free helpline number 14567 is being operated to address issues faced by senior citizens.

She clarified that nearly Rs 24 crore will be spent by the Punjab Government on senior citizens’ welfare, including healthcare services, Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, awareness campaigns and other related activities, reflecting the strong commitment of the Mann Government towards the well-being of the elderly.

Dr Baljit Kaur stated that under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, legal provisions have been made to protect the rights of senior citizens, and thousands of cases have been resolved so far through Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals.

She further informed that during the financial year 2025–26, a grant of Rs 6.82 crore will be provided to Old Age Homes located in 14 districts of the state, while Day Care Centres in Barnala and Mansa will receive financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh per centre.

On this occasion, she also announced that a government Old Age Home with a capacity of 72 beds constructed at a cost of Rs 9.12 crore in district Mansa will be inaugurated on January 10, 2026, under the able leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

In conclusion, Dr Baljit Kaur appealed to senior citizens and their families to actively participate in the district-level camps and avail the free facilities being provided by the Punjab Government.