Government Committed to the Dignity and Welfare of the Elderly: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, October 01

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that senior citizens are our guides and carriers of invaluable culture. Taking care of the elderly is a shared responsibility of both government and society. The Central and State governments are continuously strengthening schemes dedicated to pension, healthcare, social security, and dignified living for senior citizens.

Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the state-level celebration of International Day of Older Persons as the Chief Guest at Krishi Mandapam, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University campus, Raipur.

At the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated senior citizens by presenting them with shawls and shreephal. On this occasion, he announced the establishment of ‘Siyan Gudi’ in the state for the special care of the elderly, modern old-age homes on a PPP model in four major cities—Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, and Durg, and a dedicated service centre in Raipur for repairing assistive devices of persons with disabilities. CM Shri Sai also flagged off 25 de-addiction awareness vans under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The event also featured Chhattisgarhi folk music and dance performances, along with a health check-up camp.

Chief Minister Sai said that the observance of the Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to remind us of our responsibilities. “My Guru has taught me that serving one’s parents is worshipping God. I have always followed the values and ideals of my Guru,” he remarked. He added that we should never forget the truth that the stage of life in which today’s elderly are, will be the stage we all reach tomorrow. CM Sai and the guests appealed to the public to respect elders and ensure they benefit from government schemes, so that their lives may become safer, more dignified, and happier.

Chief Minister Shri Sai informed that more than 14 lakh senior citizens are currently availing benefits under pension schemes in the state. Under Ayushman Bharat and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Health Assistance Scheme, over 8 lakh senior citizens have received free medical facilities so far. More than 50,000 elderly persons have benefitted from the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana and Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana. Social Welfare Minister Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade stated that 35 old-age homes in the state are currently caring for 1,049 senior citizens, and six districts are running palliative care homes. Through the departmental helpline, more than 54,000 senior citizens’ issues have been resolved.

The event was attended by Minister Mr. Tankram Verma, Member of Parliament Mr. Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Mr. Rajesh Munat, Mr. Motilal Sahu, Mr. Indra Kumar Sahu, Mr. Anuj Sharma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Nishaktjan Finance and Development Corporation Mr. Lokesh Kawadia, along with several public representatives, eminent citizens, and senior administrative officers.

*Paryatan Sathi Initiative: MoU Signed Between Raipur District Administration and Ease My Trip*

During the programme, an MoU was signed between Ease My Trip and the Raipur District Administration under the Paryatan Sathi initiative. Chief Minister Shri Sai congratulated the district administration team for this special initiative and said that it would create new employment opportunities for youth and boost tourism. Under the Paryatan Sathi initiative, youth will be trained as tour guides at ITI Saddu. Each batch will comprise 50 trainees, and the training programme will be completed within three months.