Elderly persons, along with their families, can temporarily stay in Old Age Homes if they wish: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, September 5:
The Punjab Government has undertaken special measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the elderly during the devastation caused by floods across the state. The Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development has identified 479 elderly persons from flood-affected areas. With the support of district administrations and the Red Cross Society, assistance is being extended to these elderly persons. This was disclosed by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Giving further details, the Cabinet Minister said that Old Age Homes across Punjab have the capacity to accommodate around 700 elderly persons, and any needy senior citizens can take shelter in these facilities.
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that arrangements for food, health check-ups, accommodation, and other essential services have been made in Old Age Homes to provide a homely environment to the elderly. She assured that the Government is committed to ensuring that no elderly person feels lonely or distressed.
Sharing district-wise details, the Minister informed that 200 elderly persons have been identified from 15 villages of Amritsar, 112 from 12 villages of Gurdaspur, 40 from 4 villages of Ferozepur, 14 from 3 villages of Hoshiarpur, 34 from 7 villages of Kapurthala, 50 from 3 villages of Tarn Taran, 9 from 2 villages of Bathinda, and 20 from 3 villages of Fazilka.
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed that if any elderly person faces difficulty, they may, along with their family members, temporarily stay in Old Age Homes.
The Minister emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government stands firmly with the flood-affected people and is extending every possible assistance to them.
