Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to the late Umesh Agarwal on his birth anniversary, saying that his entire life was dedicated to the organization, society, and national service. Umesh played a key role in strengthening the BJP organization in Dehradun, discharging various responsibilities. He always kept public service and development as his top priority. As the Executive President of the Provincial Industry Trade Delegation and Patron of the Doon Industry Trade Board, he continuously strived to resolve the problems of traders.
The Chief Minister said that senior citizens, besides being the guardians of our families, are also living carriers of culture, traditions, and values. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is also working for the welfare and empowerment of senior citizens. Under the Old Age Pension Scheme, a monthly pension of ₹1,500 is being provided to approximately 600,000 senior citizens in the state. Eligible individuals, husband and wife, also receive separate pension benefits.
The Chief Minister said that a model old-age home is being constructed in Rudrapur with the support of the central government. He also said that for the first time in the state, a geriatric caregiver training program has been organized to prepare human resources for the care of senior citizens. Approximately 20 master trainers were trained. He stated that this year, the goal is to train at least 50 individuals as master trainers in each district, and to provide 150 individuals with geriatric care giver training.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government is also providing free cataract surgery to senior citizens. This year, the target is to provide free surgery to 1,300 senior citizens. Recognizing the challenges faced by relationships due to changing times, the government has also implemented the Parents and Senior Citizens Maintenance Act to protect the rights of senior citizens. Under this Act, senior citizens have the legal right to demand maintenance from their children or legal heirs.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, General Secretary of the Organization, Ajay Kumar, MLAs Mrs. Savita Kapoor, Khajan Das, Umesh Sharma Kau, Metropolitan President Siddharth Agarwal, and others were present on the occasion.
