Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Mann Govt launches ‘Sade Buzurg Sada Maan’ campaign to ensure dignity, safety of senior citizens
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 1, 2026: Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare, security and dignified life of senior citizens, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced the launch of a statewide campaign titled “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” from January 16, 2026.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here on Wednesday, Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur said the campaign will be inaugurated from District SAS Nagar (Mohali) and will be rolled out across the state through district-level camps.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government has been implementing the “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” initiative since 2023 in line with the observance of the International Day of Older Persons on October 1.
She noted that during the 2023 camps, over 20,110 senior citizens were registered and provided with facilities including eye and ENT check-ups, cataract surgery screening, distribution of spectacles, pension forms, Senior Citizen Cards and Ayushman Cards.
Continuing the initiative in 2026, the minister said the upcoming camps will offer free medical services such as geriatric health check-ups, cataract surgeries, ENT services, yoga sessions, legal awareness programmes and other essential facilities for senior citizens.
She informed that under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for 2025–26, an amount of Rs 786.83 lakh is being spent on welfare measures, including free health camps, non-communicable disease and dementia screening, training of geriatric caregivers, and state-level awareness and media campaigns. A toll-free helpline number 14567 is also operational to address issues faced by the elderly.
Dr Baljit Kaur further stated that the Punjab Government will spend nearly Rs 24 crore on senior citizens’ welfare, covering healthcare services, Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres and awareness initiatives, reflecting the Mann Government’s strong focus on elderly care.
Highlighting legal safeguards, she said the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is being effectively implemented in the state, with thousands of cases resolved through Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals to protect the rights of senior citizens.
The minister announced that during 2025–26, a grant of Rs 6.82 crore will be provided to Old Age Homes across 14 districts, while Day Care Centres in Barnala and Mansa will receive financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh per centre. She also said a government-run Old Age Home with a capacity of 72 beds, constructed at a cost of Rs 9.12 crore in Mansa district, will be inaugurated on January 10, 2026.
Calling senior citizens the heritage of society, Dr Baljit Kaur said the state government is committed to their holistic protection and well-being. She urged senior citizens and their families to actively participate in the district-level camps and avail the free services being offered by the Punjab Government.