CHANDIGARH:   Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues has announced that the Administration has approved a proposal for the construction of another Senior Citizens home in the City on the pattern of Senior Citizens Home in Sector 43 in view of the increasing demand.

Accompanied by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, the Administrator visited Old Age Home in Sector 15, Chandigarh, here last evening, interacted with the inmates and presided over a function to mark the “International Day of Older Persons”.

  Addressing the gathering he said that the Home for Old and Destitute people being run here are given, free boarding lodging and all the necessities of life, including medical care and pocket allowance.  He said that 1645 old persons in Chandigarh above the age of 60 are getting pension at the rate of Rs. 250/- per month and 4063 are also getting pension under the Centrally Sponsored Old Age Scheme  at the rate of Rs. 200/- per month.  He said that various facilities have been provided to the senior citizens to enable them to lead a life of dignity and respect, besides ensuring their safety and protection. He emphasised the need for community participation in ensuring their all round welfare.

General Rodrigues said that the Chandigarh Administration has launched work on 325 developmental projects, with special focus on improving the quality of life of our people, especially the disadvantaged, women and children.  He said that the first phase of three new projects i.e. Home for street children, Mentally Challenged Children and Crippled Children is being opened next month and the Senior Citizens are welcome to contribute in these projects with their expertise, knowledge and vast experience. He said that their sagacious advice and contribution in these projects, will ensure their well being besides giving them their rightful place, in the process of social change. He mentioned that the senior citizens also must play a special role in inculcating moral values among the children, to make them good citizens. He said that the Administration has already launched a programme of moral values and civic duties and the older persons must come forward with their valuable guidance, on the basis of their life long experience in different facets of life.

General Rodrigues urged the senior citizens to utilize their potential for the benefit of society by associating themselves in different activities as productive members. “Shed the thought, of being old, from your minds and actively involve yourself in various programmes for building a bright future for future generations”.

S.D. Kalia, Chairman of Senior Citizen’s Federation, in his welcome address highlighted the issues of older persons.

Fr. Sebastian Jose, Head of Don Bosco Navjeevan  Trust while proposing vote of thanks  appreciated the initiatives taken by the Administrator and Mrs Rodrigues for improving health and education status of disadvantaged sections of society in the slums and rural areas.