Haldwani: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a major push for senior citizen welfare, including the establishment of new old age homes, upgraded facilities, and dedicated programs for honoring the elderly. The announcement was made during a Senior Citizen Award Ceremony held in Haldwani, where the Chief Minister described senior citizens as the “precious heritage of society.”
New Old Age Homes and Senior Welfare Expansion Plan
The Chief Minister announced several key initiatives aimed at improving elderly care across the state:
- Modern old age home to be built in Kotabagh with advanced facilities
- Old age homes to be set up in districts where they are currently not available
- Expansion and upgrading of existing government old age homes
- Special programs to be organized in every district to honor senior citizens
The government is also strengthening its infrastructure for elderly care with ongoing and upcoming projects in multiple districts.
Strengthening Elderly Care Infrastructure Across Uttarakhand
The state already operates old age homes in:
- Bageshwar
- Chamoli
- Uttarkashi
New facilities are under construction in:
- Dehradun
- Almora
- Champawat
Additionally:
- A model modern old age home is being developed in Rudrapur with central assistance
- New facilities are being planned in Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, and Pithoragarh
This expansion aims to ensure comprehensive elderly care coverage across Uttarakhand.
Digital & Welfare Initiatives for Senior Citizens
During the event, the Chief Minister also launched key initiatives:
- Release of a book titled “Abhay Uday Kafi Table Book” dedicated to senior citizens
- Launch of the CM Senior Connect App for better engagement and support services
These initiatives aim to improve digital accessibility and communication between senior citizens and government services.
Healthcare Support: Free Surgeries for Elderly
The government has also expanded healthcare support:
- Free cataract surgeries for senior citizens
- Target of 1,300 free surgeries this year
- Geriatric care training programs for better elderly healthcare services
These steps are intended to improve quality of life and healthcare accessibility for senior citizens.
Training 50 Master Trainers Per District
A major human resource development initiative has been launched:
- 20 master trainers already trained in geriatric care
- Target to train 50 master trainers per district annually
- 150 caregivers to receive specialized geriatric training per district
This program aims to build a skilled elderly care workforce across the state.
CM Highlights Importance of Elderly in Society
Addressing the gathering at the Government Medical College auditorium, the Chief Minister said that senior citizens are like a “guiding pole star” for society. He emphasized that experience and wisdom of the elderly help guide younger generations.
He also praised senior citizens for participating actively in sports events, stating that “age is just a number and enthusiasm has no limit.” During the event, he honored a 100-year-old participant, Madhavi Verma, by touching her feet and seeking blessings.
Senior Citizens Honored for Contributions
Thirteen senior citizens from different districts were honored for their contributions, including:
- Dr. Lalit Mohan Upreti
- Ramesh Matela
- Dr. Bhuwan Chandra Joshi
- Pandit Gopal Krishna Badola
- Ashutosh Pant
- Yogesh Panthari
- Several others recognized for social and community service
Winners of various competitions held during the event were also felicitated.
Government’s Commitment to Elderly Welfare
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government is fully committed to:
- Respect and dignity of senior citizens
- Improved healthcare and safety
- Better infrastructure for elderly care
- Inclusive social engagement programs
He stated that Uttarakhand is actively working to build a senior citizen–friendly ecosystem.
