Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Baljit Kaur, has announced a major statewide initiative aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens. The campaign, titled 'Sade Buzurg Sada Maan,' is set to be officially launched from Mohali on January 16. This program focuses on providing comprehensive health check-ups and necessary medical treatment for the elderly population across the state.
Building on Past Success: Camps and Services
Minister Kaur highlighted the success of similar efforts conducted in the previous year. During the 2023 camps, a significant 20,110 senior citizens were registered and received a variety of essential services. These included thorough eye examinations, ENT check-ups, screening for cataract surgery, and the distribution of spectacles. The camps also facilitated access to crucial documentation like pension forms, senior citizen cards, and Ayushman Bharat health cards.
"Continuing this impactful initiative, the campaign will again be organised across the state in 2026 through district-wise camps," stated Kaur during a press conference. She detailed that these upcoming camps will offer a broad spectrum of free health services. The offerings will encompass cataract surgeries, specialised geriatric check-ups, ENT consultations, therapeutic yoga sessions, legal awareness workshops, and several other essential services tailored for the elderly.
Financial Allocation and Broader Welfare Plans
The minister provided a detailed breakdown of the financial commitment behind this initiative. Under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for the financial year 2025–26, a substantial sum of Rs 786.83 lakh has been earmarked. This budget will fund not only the free medical camps but also critical activities like Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and dementia screening programs. Funds are also allocated for the training of geriatric caregivers and for state-wide media and awareness campaigns to promote elderly welfare.
In addition to the health campaign, the government is strengthening its support infrastructure. A toll-free helpline number, 14567, is already operational to address grievances and issues faced by senior citizens. Minister Kaur also emphasized the legal protections under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, noting that many cases have been successfully resolved through dedicated Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals.
Support for Homes and New Inauguration
The welfare push extends to institutional care as well. For the 2025–26 financial year, Old Age Homes located in 14 districts of Punjab will receive a collective grant of Rs 6.82 crore. Furthermore, Day Care Centres in Barnala and Mansa are set to get financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh per centre.
In a significant development for Mansa district, the minister announced the upcoming inauguration of a new government Old Age Home. Constructed at a cost of Rs 9.12 crore, this facility will have a capacity of 72 beds and is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 10. This marks a concrete step towards enhancing the quality of life and care for the state's elderly residents.
