Chief Minister Interacts with Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities

Old Age Homes to Be Established in Every District: Chief Minister

Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami interacted with senior citizens and persons with disabilities under the Mukhya Sevak Samvad program. On this occasion, he launched the software for the Divyang Marriage Grant and National Family Benefit Scheme and also released the 5th installment of pensions under various welfare schemes of the Social Welfare Department through online transfer.

During the program, the Chief Minister announced that the incentive grant for marrying a person with a disability would be increased from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. He also declared that the income criteria for scholarships for disabled students from Class 1 to 8 would be removed. Additionally, he announced that one old age home will be established in each district of the state.

Welcoming the senior citizens and Divyangjans at the Chief Minister’s residence (Mukhya Sevak Sadan), CM Dhami said that he draws energy to serve the state from their blessings. He emphasized that the objective of such interactions is to directly understand people’s issues and needs so that stronger steps can be taken for solutions. He remarked that while governments often create policies, the real benefit is achieved only when schemes reach the grassroots level with transparency and honesty, and beneficiaries feel that the government is truly making their lives easier and better.

Highlighting national efforts, the CM said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, continuous work is being done for the empowerment of Divyangjans and senior citizens. It was PM Modi who first replaced the term “Viklang” (disabled) with “Divyang” (divine-bodied), instilling dignity and self-respect. Today, several schemes such as the Divyangjan Empowerment Act 2016, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, ADIP Scheme, Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme, Divyangjan Swavalamban Scheme, Divyangjan Scholarships and Pension Schemes are supporting their welfare.

He informed that more than 96,000 Divyangjans in the state are receiving pensions, including:

• Over 86,000 persons with disabilities above 18 years of age who receive ₹1,500 per month.
• Over 8,000 Divyang children below 18 years of age who receive ₹700 per month for care and maintenance.
• Those who became disabled during agricultural work in rural areas receive ₹1,200 per month under the Teelu Rauteli Pension Scheme.
• Persons with height below 4 feet also receive ₹1,200 per month under the Dwarf Pension Scheme.

The CM added that the Divyang Marriage Promotion Scheme now offers ₹50,000 incentive for marrying a Divyang person, and the new software will ensure transparent delivery of benefits.

He further shared that just a day earlier, the Prime Minister Divyasha Kendra was inaugurated in Dehradun, where special facilities will be available for Divyang children. The government is working to establish such centers in all districts in the future.

CM Dhami said that nearly 6 lakh elderly citizens in the state are receiving pensions directly into their bank accounts through DBT. Alongside, the government is strengthening old age home facilities. At present, government-run old age homes are operational in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi, while new buildings are under construction in Dehradun, Almora, and Champawat. Additionally, NGOs are running old age homes in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and other areas.

He underlined that keeping in mind changing social dynamics and challenges in relationships, the state has implemented the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, ensuring legal rights for parents and the elderly to demand support from their children or legal heirs. He assured the elderly that “this son of yours will never let there be any shortfall in your honor, security, or facilities.”

The program was attended by Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLA Khajan Das, Savita Kapoor, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, Vice President of Senior Citizens Welfare Council Naveen Verma, Shanti Mehra, Social Welfare Secretary Sridhar Babu Adhyanki, Additional Secretary Prakash Chandra, Social Welfare Director Chandra Singh Dharmashaktu, and Tribal Welfare Director Sanjay Tolia.

Department of Information & Public Relations