-Rs 7.86 Crore Allocated for District-Level Camps to Provide Services at Doorsteps for Elderly
-Camps to Cover Remaining Districts from February 2 to 18: Dr Baljit Kaur
-Over 23 Lakh Beneficiaries Receiving Old-Age Pension; Rs 4,100 Crore Provisioned in 2025-26 Budget
-State-Level Camp in Mohali Provides Health Check-Ups, Assistive Devices & Pension Assistance to Senior Citizens
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar (Mohali), January 16
Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur, today inaugurated the second phase of the state-level campaign “Saade Buzurg, Saada Maan” (Our Elders, Our Pride) at the Collector Bhawan (Kisan Vikas Chamber) in Mohali. The initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s strong commitment under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure dignity, care, and social security for senior citizens across the state by delivering essential health, welfare, and social protection services directly at the doorstep.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Baljit Kaur said: “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to providing our elderly citizens with a respectful, secure, and convenient life. For the second phase of the ‘Saade Buzurg, Saada Maan’ campaign, Rs 7.86 crore has been allocated for organizing district-level camps, enabling essential services to reach seniors right in their localities.”
Referring to the overwhelming response in the first phase launched in 2023, the Minister noted: “During the initial phase, 20,210 senior citizens were registered, demonstrating the strong need for such initiatives and the trust people have in the government’s welfare programs.” She added that the second phase will cover the remaining districts of Punjab from February 2 to February 18.
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Detailing the services offered at these camps, Dr Baljit Kaur explained: “The camps are designed to provide comprehensive care to elderly citizens. Services include eye check-ups and cataract screening, ENT and orthopedic consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases and dementia, as well as homeopathic and Ayurvedic treatments. On-the-spot registration for social security pensions, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and Alimco Cards, and assistance under the National Vayoshri Yojana are also available.”
She further highlighted: “Awareness sessions on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, other legal rights, and government schemes form a key part of the program. Essential assistive devices—such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts, and wheelchairs—are distributed free of cost on the spot.”
The Minister also mentioned the operational toll-free helpline 14567 for elderly support across the state.
At the state-level camp in Mohali, immediate relief was provided through health and eye check-ups, assistance in accessing pensions and financial benefits, and legal awareness sessions. Dr Baljit Kaur personally distributed Alimco kits and old-age pension approval letters to beneficiaries present. She also honored representatives from NGOs and senior citizens’ associations for their exemplary services toward the elderly.
Sharing financial details, Dr Baljit Kaur stated: “Currently, approximately 23.33 lakh beneficiaries receive old-age pension every month in Punjab. For the financial year 2025-26, Rs 4,100 crore has been allocated for pension schemes, underscoring the government’s priority on social security.”
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary (Social Security, Women & Child Development), Vikas Pratap, informed that old-age pensions up to December 2025 have already been disbursed. He added that old-age homes have been established in Tapa (Barnala) and Mansa districts to support needy seniors, while financial assistance is provided to several NGOs running old-age homes.
MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhawa praised the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government for its proactive and consistent efforts toward the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.
Director of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Vimmi Bhullar formally welcomed the dignitaries and briefed attendees on the objectives and implementation of the second phase of the campaign.
The event was also attended by Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Joint Secretary (Social Security) Anand Sagar, ADC (G) Sonam Chaudhary, and SDM Damanpreet Kaur.
A cultural program was presented, featuring a street play titled “Saade Buzurg, Saada Maan” by Utsav Kala Manch and Malwai Giddha by retired government officials from the Malwa Art and Cultural Society, Mohali. The performances reinforced the message of respect, care, and honor for senior citizens.
This campaign continues to strengthen Punjab’s efforts to ensure a dignified and supported life for its elderly population.
