Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Launches Campaign for Effective Senior Citizens’ Welfare

Mumbai : Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has initiated a campaign to ensure the effective implementation of welfare schemes for senior citizens. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to care for the elderly and announced the establishment of a Senior Citizens Welfare Corporation to oversee the execution of these schemes.

Speaking at a meeting on Senior Citizen Policy at Sahyadri Guest House, Chief Minister Shinde was joined by various officials, including Industry Minister Uday Samant, Public Works Minister Dada Bhuse, and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik. The Chief Minister highlighted the need to prepare for the growing number of senior citizens expected by 2047, as discussed in a recent Niti Aayog meeting. The government has already introduced the Vyoshree Yojana and is providing benefits through direct bank transfers (DBT), along with discounts on ST travel.

Chief Minister Shinde proposed several new initiatives, including setting up Virangula Centers in every municipal area to assist with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. He also suggested using non-governmental organizations to form self-help groups for seniors. Additionally, Shinde recommended a pilot project for vaccinating seniors against influenza and pneumonia through Mumbai Municipal Corporation, with plans to expand statewide. He expressed a desire to implement a “hospital on wheels” concept for better healthcare access and will seek central government support for resuming rail travel concessions and reducing GST on essential medical supplies.