Dehradun, 1 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the state-level programme organised on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons at Himalayan Cultural Centre, Nehru Colony (Nimbuwala), here, today. He extended greetings to all senior citizens of the state on this occasion. The Chief Minister honoured elderly attendees and also administered the Senior Citizens’ Respect Pledge. He also planted a sapling in the name of his mother as a mark of respect.
The Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to continuously strengthen the infrastructure of old-age homes in the state. Government old-age homes are currently operational in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts, while new buildings are under construction in Dehradun, Almora, and Champawat. With the support of the Central Government, a model old-age home is being constructed in Rudrapur (Udham Singh Nagar district). The process for establishing old-age homes in Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, and Pithoragarh is also underway.
The Chief Minister further said that specialists are being trained under the Geriatric Caregiver Training Programme to ensure proper care of senior citizens. The state has set a target of training 150 master trainers and caregivers this year.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Chairman of Senior Citizens’ Welfare Council Ramchandra Gaud, Vice Chairperson Shanti Mehra, Harka Singh Negi, SC Commission Chairman Mukesh Kumar, Social Welfare Secretary Dr Sridhar Babu Addanki, and Social Welfare Director Chandrasingh Dharmashaktu were also present.
