Centre urges citizens to pledge support for elderly; over 5.36 lakh join campaign
New Delhi, July 15 (TNT): The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Wednesday urged citizens to support the welfare of senior citizens by participating in its nationwide ‘Take a Pledge’ campaign, saying more than 5.36 lakh people have already joined the initiative.
The campaign, launched under the ‘Ageing with Dignity’ initiative, complements the ministry’s National Helpline for Senior Citizens (Elderline 14567), which provides information, guidance, counselling and emergency assistance to elderly persons across the country.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said respect for senior citizens is a collective national responsibility and appealed to citizens to visit the ministry’s Ageing with Dignity portal to take the pledge.
Launched on October 1, 2021, the toll-free Elderline (14567) operates seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm across all states and Union Territories.
The helpline provides information on healthcare facilities, old-age homes, day-care centres, caregivers, pension-related issues, legal assistance, government welfare schemes and maintenance-related matters.
It also facilitates field intervention in cases involving elder abuse, neglect, rescue and rehabilitation of homeless senior citizens, besides offering emotional support to address loneliness, anxiety and family disputes.
Under the ‘Take a Pledge’ campaign, citizens commit to respecting and caring for senior citizens, protecting their rights, standing against elder abuse and helping create an inclusive society where older persons can live with dignity and security.
Participants receive a digital Certificate of Commitment in recognition of their support for the welfare of senior citizens.
The ministry said the campaign aims to build a compassionate and age-inclusive society by encouraging greater public participation in protecting the rights and well-being of elderly citizens.
TNT KM
