Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has described the senior citizens as valuable assets of the society.
The Chief Minister in his message on the occasion of International Day for Older Persons has said that older persons have experience and solutions while we have to learn more from them. He called upon people to take care for peaceful and dignified life of older persons. The blessings of senior citizens are precious for us, said the CM.
He also highlighted on various welfare schemes for the older persons and said that 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.
Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, SSEPD attending the programme as Guest of Honour described older persons as the guardian of the society while highlighting on 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.
Anu Garg, Development Commissioner, Soumendra Priyadarshi, Police Commissioner, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack also spoke on the occasion. Sushil Kumar Lohani, Principal Secretary, SSEPD Department chaired the programme while Bratati Harichandan, Director presented activity report and Dillip Roy, Special Secretary welcome the guests. Capital Hospital, UNFPA and Site Savers India organised health checkup camp, eye camp and awareness campaign on the occasion.