Punjab Government Launches 'Sade Buzurg Sada Maan' Campaign to Support Senior Citizens

The strength of any society is reflected in how it honors and cares for its elderly population. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has introduced the "Sade Buzurg Sada Maan" (Our Elderly, Our Pride) campaign, marking a major milestone in senior citizen welfare. The initiative aims to ensure a secure, dignified, healthy, and prosperous life for elderly residents across the state, minimizing the challenges typically faced in old age. To eliminate administrative hurdles, the state government has streamlined public service delivery, removing the need for elderly citizens to make frequent visits to government offices. Through the dedicated '1076' helpline, senior citizens can now apply for various official services and benefits directly from their homes. Furthermore, old-age pensions are being transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts in a transparent manner, ensuring their financial independence. The state government has also strengthened legal protections and safety measures for older residents. Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, thousands of grievances have been successfully resolved. Additionally, a round-the-clock Elder Helpline '14567' remains operational to prevent mistreatment, neglect, or exploitation, offering a safe space for senior citizens to lodge complaints without hesitation. In the healthcare sector, specialized medical camps are being organized across Punjab, providing free eye checks, cancer screenings, bone density tests, and physiotherapy services. Millions of elderly individuals have already benefited from these medical initiatives. To support state-run old age homes, the government has sanctioned grants worth crores of rupees to upgrade infrastructure and supply residents with nutritious food, housing, and medical care. In collaboration with local administration, police departments, Panchayati Raj institutions, and youth clubs, awareness drives are also being conducted in rural and urban areas to foster a more empathetic society for senior citizens.