Barnala’s 72-bed Govt old-age home providing free residential care to needy senior citizens
₹8.21-crore Baba Phool Government Old Age Home offers 72-bed residential care with comprehensive facilities
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 24, 2026: The Punjab Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring dignified, secure and compassionate care for senior citizens, with Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighting the State’s efforts to strengthen welfare facilities for elderly persons in need of care and support.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government considers senior citizens among the State’s most valuable assets and is undertaking sustained efforts to ensure that they spend the later years of their lives with dignity, security, respect and a sense of belonging.
Sharing details of the government’s elderly care initiatives, the Minister said that old age homes are being operated across Punjab to provide safe shelter, quality care and a supportive environment to senior citizens requiring residential support.
She said the 72-bed Baba Phool Government Old Age Home, located at Khattar Patti on Dhilwan Road in Tapa, Barnala district, was constructed at a cost of ₹8.21 crore and inaugurated on April 9, 2025.
According to the Minister, 16 senior citizens are currently residing at the facility, where all essential services are provided completely free of cost. The facilities include comfortable dormitory accommodation, nutritious meals, clothing, healthcare, a library, gardening facilities, yoga sessions twice a week and indoor recreational activities.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the government’s objective extends beyond providing shelter, with emphasis on creating an environment in which senior citizens feel valued, cared for and socially connected. She said the State is continuously strengthening elderly welfare initiatives to ensure that senior citizens receive care and support during the later stages of their lives.
Appealing to elderly persons in need of care and support, the Minister said that destitute, abandoned or otherwise eligible senior citizens requiring residential care may approach the District Social Security Officer of their respective district for guidance regarding admission to Government-run Old Age Homes. Admission will be subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria and availability of accommodation.
She also urged Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, social organisations and members of the community to help identify and support elderly persons who require care and shelter, so that no senior citizen is left without protection, support and dignity.
Reiterating the government’s vision of an inclusive and caring society, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government would continue to expand and strengthen social security initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare and dignity of senior citizens and ensuring that no elderly person is left without care, protection or support.