Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today called upon people to take care of older persons for their peaceful and dignified life.
Shri Patnaik in his message on the occasion of International Day for Older Persons has said that older persons have experience and solutions while we have to learn more from them.
He has described the senior citizens as valuable assets of the society and said the blessings of senior citizens are precious for us.
The Chief Minister highlighted various welfare schemes for the older persons and said that the State Government has added additional 4 lakh beneficiaries in Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).
Facilities such as Old Age Homes, Geriatric ward and Physiotherapy Centres in Hospitals in different hospitals have been made available for senior citizens. He called upon to work collectively for the betterment and good health of older persons.
Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), attending the programme as Guest of Honour, described older persons as the guardians of the society.
He highlighted the commitment of the State Government for social security, health services and quality life of senior citizens. He also focused on various schemes and programmes of the Department.
Among others, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Twin City Police Commissioner Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi also spoke on the occasion.
SSEPD Principal Secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani presided over the programme while Bratati Harichandan, Director presented an activity report and Dillip Roy, Special Secretary welcomed the guests.
Capital Hospital, UNFPA and Sight Savers India organised a health checkup camp, eye camp and awareness campaign on the occasion.
