CHANDIGARH / SAS NAGAR, 16th January 2026:
Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr Baljit Kaur on Friday launched Phase II of the flagship campaign “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” from Kalkat Bhawan (Kisan Vikas Chamber) in Mohali, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, care and social security for senior citizens across the state. The campaign is being implemented on a district-wise basis to deliver health, welfare and social security services directly to elderly citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Social Security Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a dignified, secure and respectful life for our senior citizens. For Phase II of the ‘Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan’ campaign, an amount of ₹786 lakh has been earmarked to conduct district-level camps so that essential services can be provided at the doorstep of the elderly.”
Referring to the response received during the first phase, the Minister said, “During Phase I, which was launched in 2023, as many as 20,210 senior citizens were registered. This strong participation reflects both the need for such initiatives and the trust people have placed in the government’s welfare programmes.” She informed that the remaining districts of Punjab will be covered under Phase II from February 2 to February 18.
Elaborating on the services being offered, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “These camps are designed to provide comprehensive care to senior citizens. Facilities include eye check-ups and cataract examinations, ENT and orthopaedic consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases and dementia, as well as homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatment. On-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO cards are also being facilitated.”
She added that assistance and awareness regarding the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with information on other legal rights, are integral components of the camps.
The Social Security Minister further said, “Essential assistive devices such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts and wheelchairs are being distributed on the spot to senior citizens who need them. In addition, a toll-free helpline number 14567 is already operational to provide assistance to elderly citizens across Punjab.”
The camps provided immediate relief through health and eye check-ups, assistance in accessing pensions and other monetary benefits, and legal literacy sessions. During the state-level camp in Mohali, Dr Baljit Kaur handed over ALIMCO kits and sanction letters for old age pensions to beneficiaries present on the occasion. Representatives of NGOs and Senior Citizen Associations were also felicitated by the Minister in recognition of their extraordinary services to senior citizens.
Sharing details of financial support being extended by the government, Dr Baljit Kaur said, “At present, around 23.33 lakh beneficiaries are receiving old age pensions every month in Punjab. For the current financial year 2025-26, a budgetary provision of ₹4,100 crore has been made for pension schemes, reflecting the government’s priority towards social security.”
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, Vikas Partap informed that old age pensions have been paid up to December 2025. He said that old age homes have been established at Tapa in Barnala district and at Mansa to provide shelter to senior citizens in need, while several NGO-run old age homes are being supported through financial assistance from the government.
MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhawa also addressed the function and appreciated the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government for taking proactive and sustained steps towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.
Director, Social Security, Women and Child Welfare, Vimmie Bhullar formally welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the audience about the objectives and implementation of Phase II of the “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” campaign.
Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Joint Secretary Social Security Anand Sagar, ADC (G) Sonam Chaudhary and SDM Damandeep Kaur were also present on the occasion.
The event also featured cultural performances, including a Nukkad Natak titled “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” by Utsav Kala Manch and Malwai Gidha by retirees of government departments from Malwa Art and Cultural Society, Mohali, which reinforced the message of respect, care and dignity for senior citizens.
