International Day of Older Persons: Senior citizens are valuable assets of the society, says CM

Bhubaneswar: The senior citizens are valuable assets of the society. “Older people have a wealth of skills and experiences as they have lived through situations others cannot even imagine, and yet we continue to learn from them,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his message on the occasion of International Day for Older Persons on Sunday.

He called upon people to take care for peaceful and dignified life of older persons. “The blessings of senior citizens are precious for us,” he said. The Chief Minister also highlighted various welfare schemes for the older persons and said the State Government has added additional 4 lakh beneficiaries in Madhubabu Pension Yojana. Facilities such as Old Age Homes, Geriatric ward and Physiotherapy Centres in Hospitals in different hospitals have been made available for senior citizens. He called upon to work collectively for the betterment and good health of older persons.

Inaugurating an event to mark the day, Minister of SSEPD Ashok Chandra Panda described older persons as the guardian of the society while highlighting the commitment of State Government for social security, health services and quality life of senior citizens. He also focused on various schemes and programmes of the department.

Development Commissioner Anu Garg and Police Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Soumendra Priyadarshi also spoke on the occasion.

Principal Secretary of SSEPD Department Sushil Kumar Lohani chaired the programme while Director Bratati Harichandan presented activity report and Special Secretary Dillip Roy welcomed the guests. Capital Hospital, UNFPA and Site Savers India organised health checkup camp, eye camp and awareness campaign on the occasion.