Punjab Government Kicks Off Second Phase of Senior Citizen Welfare Campaign
The Punjab government has officially launched the second phase of its flagship campaign 'Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan' in Mohali. Dr Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, inaugurated this phase at Kalkat Bhawan on Tuesday.
She emphasized the government's strong commitment to ensuring dignity, care, and social security for elderly residents across the state.
Substantial Funding Allocated for District-Level Camps
For Phase II, the government has earmarked a significant amount of Rs 786 lakh (Rs 7.86 crore). This funding will support the organization of district-level camps designed to deliver essential services directly to senior citizens at their doorsteps.
Dr Baljit Kaur stated that the remaining districts in Punjab will be covered under this phase between February 2 and 18, 2026.
Building on the Success of Phase I
The minister highlighted the impressive response from the first phase, which launched in 2023. Over 20,210 senior citizens registered during Phase I, demonstrating both the need for such initiatives and the public's trust in government welfare programs.
She credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership for the government's full dedication to providing a dignified, secure, and respectful life for the elderly.
Comprehensive Services Offered at Camps
The camps provide a wide range of services to address various needs of senior citizens. Key offerings include:
- Comprehensive healthcare facilities such as eye check-ups, cataract screening, ENT consultations, and orthopaedic assessments.
- Screening for non-communicable diseases and dementia.
- Homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatment options.
- On-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions and issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO cards.
- Distribution of essential assistive devices like near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts, and wheelchairs.
Awareness and assistance related to the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with information on legal rights, form an integral part of the initiative.
Operational Support and Financial Commitments
A toll-free helpline, 14567, is now operational across Punjab to support senior citizens with their queries and needs.
Sharing financial details, Dr Baljit Kaur noted that approximately 23.33 lakh beneficiaries currently receive old age pensions every month. For the financial year 2025-26, the government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 4,100 crore for pension schemes, reflecting its high priority on social security.
Event Highlights and Appreciation
At the state-level camp in Mohali, the minister distributed ALIMCO kits and pension sanction letters to beneficiaries. She also felicitated NGOs and senior citizen associations for their valuable services.
Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Partap provided updates, mentioning that pensions have been paid up to December 2025 and that old age homes have been established in Tapa (Barnala) and Mansa.
Dera Bassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa expressed appreciation for the government's sustained efforts toward senior citizen welfare.
The event featured cultural performances, including a Nukkad Natak and Malwai Gidha, reinforcing the message of respect and dignity for the elderly.
