Raipur: Marking the International Day of Older Persons, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai made a major announcement for the welfare of senior citizens, unveiling plans to build “Siyan Gudis” — specially designed old age homes — in four major cities of the state: Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, and Durg.
These facilities will be constructed under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model to ensure better care, dignity, and quality of life for the elderly.
“Elderly are the bearers of our rich culture and wisdom. It is our collective responsibility to care for them,” said CM Sai at the state-level event held at Krishi Mandapam, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur.
Key Announcements & Highlights
- “Siyan Gudis”: Special old age homes to be built in Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, and Durg under PPP model
- Disability Support: Service center in Raipur to be set up for repair of assistive Deoices for the disabled
- De-addiction Drive: CM flagged off 25 de-addiction chariots under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
- Health Camp: Free check-ups were conducted for senior citizens at the event
- Cultural Events: Traditional Chhattisgarhi folk music and dance added festive spirit to the occasion
Impact So Far:
- Pension Benefits: Over 14 lakh senior citizens currently benefit from state-run pension schemes
- Free Health Coverage: More than 8 lakh elderly covered under Ayushman Bharat & Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Health Assistance Scheme
- Religious Travel: 50,000+ senior citizens benefited from Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana and Ramlala Darshan Scheme
- Caring for the Elderly: A Cultural and Social Duty
CM Sai emphasized the spiritual and social value of serving the elderly:
“My Guru always said — serving one’s parents is equal to worship. I have lived by that teaching. We must remember, we too will age — and today’s elders were once caretakers of society.”
He urged the public to help senior citizens access government schemes, ensuring they live secure, dignified, and meaningful lives.
Current Elderly Care Infrastructure in Chhattisgarh
- 35 operational old age homes caring for 1,049 residents
- Palliative care homes in six districts
- Senior Citizen Helpline has resolved 54,000+ issues to date
Tourism Saathi Initiative: MoU Signed with EaseMyTrip
A new initiative aimed at boosting employment and tourism was launched:
- MoU signed between Raipur District Administration and EaseMyTrip
- Tour Guide Training at ITI Saddu – 50 youth per batch, 3-month duration
- Expected to open new career opportunities in tourism and enhance local economy
CM Sai congratulated the administration for this innovative public-private initiative, which aligns with the state’s broader youth empowerment and employment agenda.
