Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment, Sudhansh Pant has said that more than two lakh eighty-eight thousand senior citizens have benefited from the provision of shelter, nutritious food, healthcare services, physiotherapy, recreation and other essential support facilities.

He said that one hundred forty-two new Senior Citizen Homes have been sanctioned across different parts of the country to strengthen access to care and essential support for elderly persons.

The Secretary added that to enhance accessibility and independent living, over two hundred camps were organised covering more than four lakh ninety thousand beneficiaries.

He highlighted that around twenty-three lakh ninety-three thousand free assistive living devices have been distributed, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks and spectacles for eligible senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line categories.

The Secretary said that these measures reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to supporting senior citizens through accessible care, improved welfare infrastructure and assistance that enables them to lead dignified and independent lives.