Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: On the occasion of World Senior Citizens, the Odisha government’s Supremo, CM Naveen Patnaik today announced at the State Secretariat here of the Odisha State Senior Citizens Policy-2016. In this policy, emphasis has been given on health care, security, financial security, physical security, welfare, and conveyance subsidy, housing and emotional needs of the senior citizens. The policy is framed by the department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD).
It’s stated that for ensuring proper implementation of the policy, a state council comprising of various departments would be formed. The council will also include several non-government organisations (NGOs). Provisions have been made to felicitate individuals and organisations for rendering welfare service to the senior citizens. The government will take steps as per the advice of the council. It has also been decided that the state government will set up a fund of Rs 7.4 cr at first and then set up an old age home in each district. The Chief Minister also unveiled the website of the SSEPD.
About 40 lakh senior citizens in Odisha constitute 9.5 percent of the total population of the state and 86 percent of them live in rural areas. It is estimated that the population of the senior citizens in Odisha would be around 13.8 percent of the total population by 2026. The Odisha government has implemented Madhu Babu Pension Yojana, Barishta Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens) for the senior citizens of the state.
