Punjab launches ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ campaign from Jan 16 to provide free health, legal, and welfare services to senior citizens.
The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, plans to formally launch a state-level campaign titled ‘ Our Elders, Our Pride’ on January 16, 2026, from District S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), with the goal of ensuring senior citizens’ welfare, security, and dignified living. The Punjab government issued prior information in the public interest, stating that the effort aims to ensure maximum involvement of older persons across the state.
Dr. Baljit Kaur, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, shared details about the campaign, saying, “The primary goal of the Our Elders, Our Pride campaign is to connect senior citizens with essential health services, legal awareness, and government welfare schemes so that they can live a secure and dignified life.” She stated that the campaign is being carried out under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for the fiscal year 2025-26, with district-specific camps to be held across Punjab to improve the general well-being and social security of older people.
ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਹੇਠ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ 16 ਜਨਵਰੀ, 2026 ਨੂੰ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਾ ਐੱਸ.ਏ.ਐੱਸ. ਨਗਰ (ਮੋਹਾਲੀ) ਤੋਂ ‘ਸਾਡੇ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗ, ਸਾਡਾ ਮਾਣ’ ਰਾਜ ਪੱਧਰੀ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਦੀ ਰਸਮੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਕਰਨ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਸਮਾਜਿਕ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ, ਮਹਿਲਾ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਲ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਡਾ. ਬਲਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਸਾਡੇ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗ, ਸਾਡਾ ਮਾਣ… pic.twitter.com/HaBas34BNc
— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) January 14, 2026
The Minister described the services to be provided, saying, “During these camps, the Health Department will provide free general health check-ups, orthopaedic care, ENT services, eye check-ups, as well as homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatments for senior citizens.” She further stated that the Social Security Department will facilitate on-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions, the issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) cards, and the provision of help and information about the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana.
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The Minister added: “The State Legal Services Authority will create awareness among senior citizens about the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with other legal rights, so that they feel protected and empowered.” She stated that, with the help of the AYUSH Department and the Department of Youth Affairs, yoga sessions and street plays will be organized to raise health awareness, establish intergenerational bonds, and maintain the sense of social security.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the elderly’s unique needs, stating, “Essential assistive devices such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts, and wheelchairs will be distributed on the spot during the camps.” She emphasized that the campaign goes beyond service delivery, saying, “This initiative is about making our senior citizens feel that they are not merely beneficiaries, but the most valuable treasure and guiding force of our society.”
Referring to the historical success of similar efforts, the Minister stated, “In previous years, thousands of senior citizens have directly benefited from these camps, which clearly reflects the effectiveness of this initiative.” She also mentioned that a toll-free helpline number, 14567, is available to assist senior persons.
Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “While the campaign will commence on January 16, the next phase of health camps in other districts will be rolled out systematically after January 26, keeping the safety and well-being of senior citizens in mind while ensuring quality service delivery.”
The Cabinet Minister urged senior citizens and their families, “I appeal to all senior citizens and their families to participate in large numbers in the district-level camps starting January 16 and avail maximum benefit of the free health, legal, and welfare services being provided by the Punjab Government.”