Hooda to launch new schemes for senior citizens

Chandigarh, Oct 31 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced the decision of the state government to launch two new schemes for the benefit of senior citizens and a scheme for patients of Heamophilia on the occasion of Haryana Day tomorrow.

Mr Hooda said it had been decided to provide 50 per cent concession to women above 60 years of age in bus fare of Haryana Roadways buses. It would benefit about six lakh women to a tune of about Rs four crore per year.

He said this facility would be available in ordinary buses and within the state only. The beneficiary would have to produce her senior citizen identity card to avail of this facility.

He said that it was observed that the women above 60 years of age, despite having enough spare time, found it difficult to travel because of financial constraints. Therefore, the scheme had been implemented to benefit such women.

The State government has already implemented a number of schemes to ensure equal participation of women in developmenal activities and to enhance their socio-economic status.

The Chief Minister said that another scheme to provide spectacles to senior citizens belonging to below poverty line families would be implemented from tomorrow.

Under this scheme, the state government would bear an expenditure of a maximum of Rs 200 per spectacle and benefit about five lakh beneficiaries. The implementation of the scheme would cost the State exchequer about Rs ten crore.

The Chief Minister said the state Health Department would provide free AHF treatment to Heamophilia patients on episode basis through recognised NGOs or institutions.

Free education would also be provided to all Heamophilia children upto class 10th in government schools of Haryana and free travel facility in Haryana Roadways buses to nearest blood component separation or health facility located in the state, Chandigarh and New Delhi.

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