Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel honored the elderly by giving them shawl and quince
825 assistive devices distributed to the elderly
Raipur, 01 October 2023
Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel today honored senior citizens by giving them shawls and quince in a program organized at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons. Chief Minister Mr. Baghel came down from the stage with sensitivity and personally approached the elders and honored them. On this occasion he also provided 825 assistive devices including electronic wheelchairs, spectacles and hearing aids to senior citizens. More than six and a half thousand senior people from all the districts were present on this occasion.
Congratulating the International Day of Older Persons, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that there are three main stages of human life – childhood, youth and old age. Man’s old age is the essence of his life’s knowledge and experiences, the accumulation of his life’s penance. That is why our elders are the lighthouse of our society. New generations move forward only in the light of their experiences. It is said in the scriptures that serving elders increases life span, knowledge, fame and strength.
Shri Baghel has said that in the new age society, our ancient values of life are being left far behind. The elders are neglected by the people for whom they worked hard and sacrificed all their lives. Cyan helpline number has been started by the state government for the elderly. This helpline can also be used by persons with disabilities, widows and transgenders. A provision of Rs 1 crore has been made in the budget for the setup of Cyan helpline center and toll free number. So far, more than 76 thousand calls have been received on the helpline number, out of which 1493 calls have been made by the elderly. We are happy that we are able to help the elderly through this helpline centre.
Mr. Baghel said that the state government has increased the amount of monthly pension given under the Social Security Pension Scheme to the destitute, elderly, disabled, widows and abandoned women from Rs 350 to Rs 500 per month. More than 13 lakh elderly people of the state are taking advantage of the monthly pension scheme. Apart from this, the state government has also distributed 49 thousand essential assistive devices to the elderly. The old pension scheme has been started for state government employees. This will help in their old age.
The Chief Minister said that Sian Jatan Clinic is being run by the state government to take care of the health of the elderly. Special OPD and Panchakarma services are also being provided for the elderly in Ayurvedic hospitals of the state. Quality medicines are made available at up to 72 percent lower prices in Shree Dhanwantri Generic Medical Stores in the state. Our senior citizens are also getting the benefits of this scheme.
Appealing to everyone to try to understand the problems of the elderly in their family or nearby, Mr. Baghel said that there is no worship greater than the fruits of service to the elderly. His blessings are the greatest reward. The elders expect as much love from us as they have given us.
Social Welfare Minister Mrs. Anila Bhendiya, while wishing the elderly on International Day of Older Persons, said that Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel is smoothly taking care of every section including the elderly, destitute, disabled, farmers. Even though the Central Government has not given money, the State Government has given advance approval for the schemes, due to which the system is running smoothly.
The program provided 825 assistive devices, including 25 electronic wheelchairs, 600 hearing aids and 200 spectacles, to the elderly. On this occasion, a wonderful patriotic song was presented by the children of Divyang Mahavidyalaya Raipur. Free health camp was organized for the elderly. Here hearing and eye tests were done and spectacles were provided. Along with this, a stall was set up by the Social Welfare Department to provide information about the schemes to the elderly. On this occasion, Parliamentary Secretary Mrs. Rashmi Ashish Singh, Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Vikas Upadhyay, Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Mr. Gyanesh Sharma, MLA Mr. Satya Narayan Sharma, District Panchayat President Mrs. Domeshwari Verma, Social Welfare Department Secretary Mr. Amrit Khalkho and a large number of people were present. Senior people were present.
