Punjab’s Bhagwant Singh Mann government has launched the ‘Sadde Bujurg Sadda Maan’ scheme keeping in view the welfare of senior citizens. Its aim is to improve their lives, improve quality and ensure that they get proper care and respect. 22 lakh senior citizens of the state are benefiting from this. The government has also issued cards for the convenience of the elderly.
The most important feature of this initiative is the establishment of health camps at the district level, which provide people with easy access to care for age-related health problems. These health camps work towards preventing and checking various health conditions that can occur as the elderly age. Additionally, special checkups are done for ENT (ear, nose, throat) problems, realizing that these need attention. This initiative also includes free spectacles and eye surgeries for the elderly, ensuring that they receive the necessary correction and treatment for their eyes.
Senior Citizen Cards issued
The Punjab government has issued senior citizen cards for the convenience of the elderly. Health camps have been organized in many districts of Punjab, including Faridkot, Moga, Ludhiana, Muktsar Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Batala, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Patiala, Rupnagar and Fatehgarh Sahib.
22 lakh senior citizens benefited
The Punjab government has also launched a pension scheme for the elderly residents of the state, benefiting 22 lakh senior citizens who are currently receiving these pensions. The initiative aims to ensure economic stability for people in the society who do not have a solid source of income. Under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, ₹1,500 per month is deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
Toll-free number a boon for the elderly
Apart from this, the Bhagwant Mann government has issued a toll-free helpline number ‘14567’ for the elderly by the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development. The problems related to senior citizens are being heard on this number. According to officials, it is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the elderly population in the state and promoting a supportive and healthy environment. This helpline serves as an important resource to address the grievances of the elderly in Punjab. Overall, ‘Sade Buzurg Sadda Mann’ reflects the commitment of the Punjab government to support its senior citizens.
