Kerala launches 24x7 helpline, ₹468 crore welfare package for elderly and disabled
The Kerala government will launch a 24x7 State-level helpline for senior citizens, set up district ageing cells, and introduce a host of welfare measures for the elderly and persons with disabilities as part of its 100-day action programme.
State Fisheries and Social Justice Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor announced on Saturday that the initiatives form part of development and welfare projects worth ₹468 crore implemented by departments under his ministry. The Social Justice department has earmarked ₹37.2 crore for the programme, he said in a statement.
The programme also includes the setting up of a Directorate and district-level offices for elderly welfare, a state-level governing council headed by the Chief Minister, a technical advisory committee, and elders facilitation desks in all local self-government institutions.
The government will undertake a baseline survey on the elderly, prepare vulnerability and workforce registries, introduce certification for elderly-friendly government offices and health institutions, and roll out a dementia-friendly Kerala initiative.
The programme also envisages neighbourhood support networks through Kudumbashree, inter-generational initiatives, accessibility projects for persons with disabilities, respite homes, and a State-level survey on the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
The Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation will provide free three-wheelers and financial assistance for vehicle purchases by entrepreneurs with disabilities, the minister added.
Apart from the social welfare initiatives, the government will implement projects worth ₹396.15 crore through the Harbour Engineering department and ₹35 crore through the Fisheries department. The fisheries projects include new fish markets, cold storage facilities, fisheries infrastructure, housing projects for coastal residents, and e-mobility support for women fish vendors, while the harbour engineering package covers the completion and launch of several harbour modernisation and coastal infrastructure projects across the State.
