Committed to the Respect, Safety, and Welfare of Senior Citizens – Chhattisgarh’s Model of Compassion

Elders – Pillars of Culture, Experience, and Values

At the heart of Indian culture stand our elders — the custodians of experience who guide society and preserve the memories that form the foundation of our civilization. However, in a changing social landscape where family structures and social circles are shrinking, ensuring the safety, health, social participation, and dignified living of senior citizens becomes a key responsibility of governance. The Government of Chhattisgarh has embodied this sentiment through sensitive policies and effective implementation.

Governance with Reverence for Elders

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has given a prominent place to the respect of senior citizens within the state’s administrative framework. He believes that “Worship of parents is worship of God.” Guided by this philosophy, the state is expanding initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

On October 1, International Day of Older Persons, Chief Minister Sai announced the establishment of modern old-age homes under the PPP model in Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, and Durg, as well as an equipment service center for destitute elderly and differently-abled individuals in Raipur. Simultaneously, the expansion of community-spiritual centers like “Siyan Gudi” is providing emotional, cultural, and spiritual support to elders.

Ground-Level Action for Elder Welfare

State Social Welfare Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade has taken several significant steps to bring elder-focused programs to the grassroots level. She emphasizes that “Sensitive governance means ensuring service and security reach every elderly citizen.”

Currently, 35 old-age homes are actively operating across the state, providing around 1,049 senior citizens with food, accommodation, healthcare, counseling, and recreation facilities. For elderly individuals suffering from serious illnesses or living in helpless conditions, palliative care homes are functioning in six districts — Raipur, Durg, Kabirdham, Raigarh, Balod, and Bemetara — where 128 elders receive free treatment, medicines, and regular health care.

The Elder Helpline Service has resolved over 270,000 cases, addressing issues faced by senior citizens efficiently while enhancing their sense of confidence and security.

Legal and Financial Empowerment

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is being strictly enforced in the state. Maintenance tribunals at the sub-divisional level and appellate tribunals at the district level are providing speedy justice in matters related to property, safety, and maintenance of senior citizens.

Elders living below the poverty line receive monthly pension assistance — ₹500 for those aged 60–79 years, and ₹650 for those aged 80 and above. Currently, over 1.4 million senior citizens benefit from this scheme, which serves as a foundation of economic security in their lives.

Healthcare and Equipment Support

The government’s initiatives are strengthening the right to quality healthcare. Under Ayushman Bharat and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Health Assistance Scheme, more than 800,000 senior citizens have received free medical treatment. Additionally, under the Senior Citizen Assistive Devices Distribution Scheme, over 50,000 elders have been provided with wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks, eyeglasses, and other essential aids.

Spiritual and Emotional Well-being

Spiritual fulfillment is central to the mental well-being of elders. To this end, under the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana and Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, more than 250,000 senior citizens have participated in pilgrimage tours. During these journeys, participants are provided with food, accommodation, and medical facilities.

Every year, October 1 is celebrated as Elderly Day at the state and district levels, promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and cooperation towards senior citizens in society.

Conclusion

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Social Welfare Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Chhattisgarh has demonstrated that sensitive governance, efficient implementation, and a humane outlook can truly transform the lives of the elderly.