TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 1, 2025: Chhattisgarh observed the International Day of Older Persons with a state-level celebration in Raipur, where Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated his government’s commitment to the dignity, security, and welfare of senior citizens. Addressing a gathering at Krishi Mandapam, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University campus, the Chief Minister said that the elderly are “our guides and carriers of invaluable culture” and that caring for them is a collective responsibility of society and government alike.
The event was marked by cultural performances, health check-ups, and a series of policy announcements aimed at strengthening facilities for senior citizens. CM Sai felicitated elderly participants with shawls and shreephal and announced the creation of ‘Siyan Gudi’, a new initiative to provide specialized care for the elderly. He also revealed plans to establish modern old-age homes on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, and Durg, ensuring world-class facilities for senior citizens. In addition, Raipur will soon have a dedicated service centre for the repair and maintenance of rehabilitation equipment used by persons with disabilities.
Reinforcing the importance of elder care, CM Sai remarked, “My Guru has taught me that serving one’s parents is worshipping God. I have always followed these values, and this day reminds us that the stage of life today’s elderly are in will one day be ours too.” He urged families and communities to extend respect, affection, and support to senior citizens while also ensuring that government schemes reach them effectively.
The Chief Minister flagged off 25 Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan awareness vans on the occasion, symbolizing the government’s resolve to fight substance abuse alongside improving welfare services.
Highlighting the reach of existing schemes, CM Sai informed that over 14 lakh senior citizens in Chhattisgarh are receiving benefits under pension programs, while 8 lakh have availed free medical facilities under Ayushman Bharat and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Health Assistance Scheme. More than 50,000 elderly beneficiaries have also undertaken pilgrimages through the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana and the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana.
Social Welfare Minister Laxmi Rajwade added that the state currently operates 35 old-age homes, accommodating over 1,000 residents, while six districts have functional palliative care centres. Through a special departmental helpline, over 54,000 issues faced by senior citizens have been addressed.
The programme was attended by Minister Tankram Verma, MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Rajesh Munat, Motilal Sahu, Indra Kumar Sahu, Anuj Sharma, and Lokesh Kawadia, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Nishaktjan Finance and Development Corporation, alongside several senior officials, social workers, and eminent citizens.
MoU with Ease My Trip under Paryatan Sathi Initiative
Adding a tourism dimension to the day’s proceedings, an MoU was signed between the Raipur District Administration and Ease My Trip under the Paryatan Sathi initiative. CM Sai praised the effort, calling it a step towards empowering youth while boosting Chhattisgarh’s tourism industry. Under this programme, young people will be trained as professional tour guides at ITI Saddu. Each batch will include 50 trainees, and the course will be completed within three months.
The Chief Minister said the initiative will create new employment opportunities for youth while enhancing the tourism experience in the state.
With these announcements, Chhattisgarh positioned itself as a state not only committed to protecting the elderly but also forward-looking in creating opportunities for its youth, symbolizing a balance of tradition and progress.
