‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ campaign to connect senior citizens with health, legal and welfare services: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Free health check-ups, legal awareness and assistive devices for senior citizens under Punjab Govt’s new campaign
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is set to formally launch a state-level campaign titled ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ on January 16, 2026, from District S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), with the objective of ensuring the welfare, security and dignified living of senior citizens. Issuing advance information in public interest, the Punjab government said the initiative is aimed at ensuring maximum participation of senior citizens across the state.
Sharing details of the campaign, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women & Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The primary objective of the Our Elders, Our Pride campaign is to connect senior citizens with essential health services, legal awareness and government welfare schemes so that they can lead a secure and dignified life.” She informed that the campaign is being implemented under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for the financial year 2025–26, with district-wise camps to be organised across Punjab to strengthen the overall well-being and social security of older persons.
Explaining the services to be provided, the Minister said, “During these camps, the Health Department will provide free general health check-ups, orthopaedic care, ENT services, eye check-ups, as well as homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatments for senior citizens.” She added that the Social Security Department will facilitate on-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) cards, and provide assistance and information related to the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana.
The Minister further stated, “The State Legal Services Authority will create awareness among senior citizens about the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with other legal rights, so that they feel protected and empowered.” She said that with the support of the AYUSH Department and the Department of Youth Affairs, yoga sessions and street plays will also be organised to promote health awareness, strengthen inter-generational bonding and reinforce the spirit of social security.
Highlighting the focus on the special needs of the elderly, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Essential assistive devices such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts and wheelchairs will be distributed on the spot during the camps.” She emphasised that the campaign goes beyond service delivery, adding, “This initiative is about making our senior citizens feel that they are not merely beneficiaries, but the most valuable treasure and guiding force of our society.”
Referring to the success of similar efforts in the past, the Minister said, “In previous years, thousands of senior citizens have directly benefited from these camps, which clearly reflects the effectiveness of this initiative.” She also informed that a toll-free helpline number 14567 is operational to assist senior citizens.
Taking into account the prevailing winter conditions, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “While the campaign will commence on January 16, the next phase of health camps in other districts will be rolled out systematically after January 26, keeping the safety and well-being of senior citizens in mind while ensuring quality service delivery.”
Appealing to senior citizens and their family members, the Cabinet Minister urged, “I appeal to all senior citizens and their families to participate in large numbers in the district-level camps starting January 16 and avail maximum benefit of the free health, legal and welfare services being provided by the Punjab Government.”