Hooda announces new incentives for older persons

Chandigarh, Oct 1 (UNI) On the occasion of International Day of Senior Citizens, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced a number of incentives for older persons, including 50 per cent bus fare concession to women above 60 years of age in Haryana Roadways buses.

Other initiatives included institution of State level awards, identity card for every senior citizen, setting up of senior citizens clubs, distribution of spectacles free of cost.

The Chief Minister, who was addressing a state level function organised to mark International Day of Senior Citizens at Panchkula near here, said the Haryana government would also enforce the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizen Act to safeguard the interests of the older persons. ''They must feel secure,'' he added.

The Chief Minister, who earlier laid the foundation stone of a building for a Senior Citizens Club here, said such clubs would also be set up at five other places including Jhajjar, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Sonepat and Hisar.

He said that an annual grant of Rs five lakh each would be provided to such clubs so as to enable them provide the facilities of a reading room, dispensary and indoor games as well as furniture for senior citizens.

These clubs would serve as a recreational centre and would be managed by a registered society under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner.

He also launched another new scheme known as Senior Citizens Voluntary Services Network to provide an opportunity to the senior citizens to offer their services for social work in the field of their interests.

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