HARYANA TO UTILIZE PENSION SAVINGS TO BUILD SERVICE HOMES FOR SENIORS, GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES 'PRAHARI' SCHEME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS' SAFETY
(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with senior citizens in the state who, despite being eligible for Old Age Honor Allowance, have chosen to forgo it. This collective sacrifice contributes to redirecting funds for the welfare of others, emphasizing the selfless strength of individuals like them, which is integral to the strength of the country and society.
The Chief Minister directly interacted with senior citizens receiving old age allowance through audio conferencing as part of the ‘CM Ki Vishesh Charcha’ programme. He announced the state government's decision to increase the old age pension amount to Rs 3,000 from January 1, 2024.
Notably, 40,000 eligible senior citizens above the age of 60 have voluntarily refused the pension, resulting in an annual savings of approximately Rs 100 crore. The surplus funds will be directed towards service homes under the 'Senior Citizen Seva Ashram' scheme across 22 districts, facilitating their construction and care arrangements.
Sh. Manohar Lal acknowledged the sacrifice made by these senior citizens and highlighted that the present monthly pension in the state for those aged 60 and above, with an annual income below Rs 3 lakh, is Rs. 2,750.
During an interactive session, Chief Minister Manohar Lal highlighted the 'Prahari' scheme, introduced in this financial year to safeguard the well-being of elderly individuals above 80 years of age. Data from the state's family identity card revealed that there are 3,30,000 elderly individuals above 80, of whom 3,600 live alone.
Under the 'Prahari' scheme, retired government employees will personally visit these elderly individuals to assess their well-being. If any elderly person requires medical assistance, property protection, or any other forms of support, the concerned government department will be notified to provide prompt assistance.
He said that the state government would care for elderly individuals living alone in Seva Ashrams under the 'Senior Citizens Seva Ashram' scheme. One such ashram has been established in Rewari, and another is under construction in Karnal. Additionally, land has been identified for these ashrams in 14 districts.
(SUBHEAD)Moreover, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Red Cross Society operates a service for senior citizens in Panipat, while the Ambalav Old Age Home is located in Panchkula. The Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board in Panchkula also runs an Old Age Home. Furthermore, Old Age Homes are operational in 13 districts of the state, including Bhiwani, Gurugram, Hisar, Jind, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Panchkula, Rohtak, Rewari, Sirsa, Yamunanagar, Jhajjar, and Bahadurgarh. Additionally, 14 day-care centers are functioning. He informed that retired government employees can join the Prahari Yojana by dialing 112.
MLA, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan and other senior officers were also present during the occasion.
