Committed for the welfare of the senior citizen and ensuring that they lead a respectable life, the state government launched a ‘Senior Citizens Initiative’ of the Red Cross Society, Kullu.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launching the scheme at Kullu on Monday said that under this scheme medical facilities would be provided to the senior citizens.

The initiative has been taken by the society as there are as many as 40,000 senior citizens in Kullu district and under the scheme in case of any medical emergency an ambulance along with a team of doctors, paramedical staff and lab technician’s team will visit the senior citizens in the remote areas. They will also hold heath camps and will also provide medicines during the camps.

After test reports the health team will conduct follow ups, besides awareness campaign will be held for a healthy living for the senior citizens.

The CM said that in case of any medical emergency ambulance with doctor and other para-medical staff along with medicine would visit the old person and provide them treatment.

In its first cabinet, the present state government reduced the age limit for getting social security old age pension without the income limit, from 80 years to 70 years, he said, adding that this step has benefitted thousands of old people in the state which reflects the commitment of the state government towards the welfare of the senior citizens.

CM also flagged-off an awareness rally of Manali Bikers Association for spreading awareness regarding Road Safety on the occasion of closing ceremony of Road Safety Week’ at HRTC Bus Stand, Manali. He also administered oath of Safety on the occasion. He urged the people to obey road safety rules for safety of their own and others lives.

He launched Mobile App for permits of ‘Rohtang Pass’ for the smooth plying of vehicle to Rohtang Pass and also laid foundation stone of ‘Beautification of Mall Road Manali’.

Under this scheme the historic Mall Road would be beautified and would also be an added attraction of the tourists, he added. He said that Gram Swarajiya Abhiyan has been launched by the Union government for empowerment and development of the rural areas.

The state government has launched various schemes for the development of the state and welfare of all the sections of the society, he said, adding that new scheme “Nai Manzil Nai Rahae” has been launched by the state government for development tourism activities in the state.