Koraput: The district police have Thursday launched a free e-auto service for senior citizens in this town which is a first of its kind in KBK districts.
During a programme held at DRDA’s Sadbhabana Hall in the afternoon, local MLA Jhina Hikaka began the service by driving an auto-rickshaw boarded by a few elderly people. The service would help the elderly persons travel to important locations including railway station, collectorate, banks, bus terminal and other offices, he added.
While only two auto rickshaws rolled on the first day, more e-autos would be included in the service which differently abled persons can also avail, the MLA said.
“It is our collective responsibility to respect the elderly persons and offer them our service,” the he said.
In the first phase, 105 senior citizens have been identified and issued identity cards to avail the service.
The programme was presided over by SP Kanwar Bishal Singh. Special cells in all police stations have been opened to address the issues of elderly people. Attending the function as guest of honour DIG-south-western range Ashis Kumar Singh said no one is greater than parents and all should respect senior citizens.
Among others, DRDA project director Deben Pradhan, former Collector Gadadhar Parida, former MLA Raghuram Podal were present on the occasion.
PNN
