Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 1 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the state-level programme organised on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons at Himalayan Cultural Centre, Nehru Colony (Nimbuwala), here, today. He extended greetings to all senior citizens of the state on this occasion. The Chief Minister honoured elderly attendees and also administered the Senior Citizens’ Respect Pledge. He also planted a sapling in the name of his mother as a mark of respect.
During the programme, the Chief Minister flagged off a free ambulance van dedicated to the service of senior citizens as well as a walkathon rally of elderly participants.
The Chief Minister said that senior citizens are the pillars of society, whose blessings and experience serve as a guiding force for all. He stated that both the State and Central Governments are continuously working towards ensuring the dignity, safety, health, and welfare of the elderly through various schemes. Referring to schemes such as Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Vayo Vandana Yojana, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, and the Old Age Pension Scheme, he informed that nearly 6 lakh elderly beneficiaries in the state are receiving pension directly in their bank accounts through DBT.
The Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to continuously strengthen the infrastructure of old-age homes in the state. Government old-age homes are currently operational in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts, while new buildings are under construction in Dehradun, Almora, and Champawat. With the support of the Central Government, a model old-age home is being constructed in Rudrapur (Udham Singh Nagar district). The process for establishing old-age homes in Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, and Pithoragarh is also underway.
The Chief Minister further said that specialists are being trained under the Geriatric Caregiver Training Programme to ensure proper care of senior citizens. The state has set a target of training 150 master trainers and caregivers this year.
Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, assistive devices are being provided to elderly citizens. A target has been set to conduct free cataract surgeries for 1,300 senior citizens this year. To protect the rights of the elderly, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act has also been implemented in the state.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Chairman of Senior Citizens’ Welfare Council Ramchandra Gaud, Vice Chairperson Shanti Mehra, Harka Singh Negi, SC Commission Chairman Mukesh Kumar, Social Welfare Secretary Dr Sridhar Babu Addanki, and Social Welfare Director Chandrasingh Dharmashaktu were also present.
