Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a series of welfare initiatives for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including a plan to establish one old-age home in every district of Uttarakhand. Our Correspondent reports, the announcement came during an interaction programme held under the Mukhya Sevak Samvad initiative in Dehradun today.
Key Announcements for Welfare
The Chief Minister made several important declarations:
Marriage incentive for marrying a person with disability doubled from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000.
Income limit for disability scholarships (Classes 1–8) abolished, ensuring more children can access educational support.
Six lakh senior citizens to receive pensions directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Launch of software for Divyang Vivah Protsahan Yojana and National Family Benefit Scheme.
Fifth instalment of pensions under various social welfare schemes released online.
Strengthening Support for Disabled Citizens
CM Dhami highlighted the ongoing pension support for disabled citizens in Uttarakhand:
Over 86,000 persons with disabilities above 18 years receive ₹1,500 monthly pension.
More than 8,000 disabled children under 18 years get ₹700 monthly assistance for care and upbringing.
Disabled individuals affected during agricultural work and persons below four feet in height receive ₹1,200 per month under special pension schemes.
He also launched new features to ensure these benefits reach eligible beneficiaries transparently and efficiently.
Focus on Senior Citizens’ Rights and Dignity
Our Correspondent adds, the Chief Minister announced that old-age homes will be set up in every district. Currently, government-run facilities operate in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi, while new buildings are under construction in Dehradun, Almora, and Champawat. Several NGOs also manage old-age homes in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital.
He further underlined the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, which empowers the elderly to demand support from their children or legal heirs. “This son will never let there be any shortfall in your honour, safety, or facilities,” Dhami assured the gathering.
Inspired by Prime Minister’s Vision
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pioneering initiatives that empower the elderly and disabled, recalling how Modi replaced the term “viklang” with “divyang” to instill dignity and self-respect. He pointed to national-level reforms such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, Accessible India Campaign, and various rehabilitation and scholarship schemes as models for Uttarakhand’s welfare efforts.
Leaders Present
The programme at the Chief Minister’s residence saw the presence of Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLAs Khajan Das and Savita Kapoor, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, and senior officials of the Social Welfare Department.
Focus on Senior Citizens’ Rights and Dignity
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pioneering initiatives that empower the elderly and disabled, recalling how Modi replaced the term “viklang” with “divyang” to instill dignity and self-respect. He pointed to national-level reforms such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, Accessible India Campaign, and various rehabilitation and scholarship schemes as models for Uttarakhand’s welfare efforts.
