Bhubaneswar: In a bid to improve quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like food, shelter, medical care and old age protection, the state government has decided to launch a new scheme ‘Abadan’ very soon.
The state government would implement the scheme through Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) department, official sources said, Thursday.
The scheme would expand outreach activities for welfare of senior citizens and create facilities for providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to the vulnerable elderly.
Through this scheme, the government would encourage voluntary action and participation of all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and both national and state policies for senior citizens, said the officials.
As 2017 is the first year of implementation of the scheme, the stakeholders would create awareness on the rights of senior citizens and various services. The government would hold ‘senior citizens week’ at district-level to sensitise senior citizens as well as other stakeholders. The total amount to be spent for taking up such activities is Rs 2.4 crore (Rs 8 lakh per district).
The government would also undertake awareness programme on value education regarding respect for elderly through Bramhakumaris in schools and colleges.
Besides, the state government has also decided to open complaint management system at district level while two counselors or experts would be engaged at district headquarters to deal with cases relating to senior citizens including counseling.
The government would also engage volunteers with a consolidated honorarium of Rs 3,000 per month at important bus stands like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Rourkela to assist senior citizens and ensure seats for them in government and private buses.
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