The Social Welfare Department of Uttar Pradesh has launched a state-wide campaign to help the poor old people in the wake of the ongoing severe cold weather.
The department has rescued 192 destitute elderly people from cold under the campaign so far and has sent them to old age homes in various districts.
The rescue operation is being conducted with the help of District Social Welfare Officers, old age home staff, volunteers, and citizens.
During night patrols at bus stations, railway stations and intersections, efforts are being made to identify poor elderly people who have no one to take care of them.
Information received through emergency police service 112 and Old age helpline number 14567 is being used to relocate them promptly to elderly homes with due respect, ensuring proper health care.
One Kokinpati Veeraswami from Andhra Pradesh was found shivering in a cold night with no warm clothes in Kaushambi district. He was then brought to an elderly home, where he received proper care. Despite the language barrier, he was helped in contacting his family, and he was safely taken to his home. Presently, he is in good health with his entire family, and has expressed gratitude to the Yogi government and the Department of Social Welfare.
Similarly, assistance was provided to 192 destitute elderly individuals in providing them shelter ensuring them a dignified life in old age homes.
Recently, due to the cold weather, State Minister of Social Welfare (Independent Charge) Asim Arun has requested assistance from the police department to carry out this campaign. He wrote a letter to the DGP appealing for help in identifying destitute elderly people and rescuing them to respective elderly homes. Under this, District Social Welfare Officers across the state were contacting the Superintendent of Police/Police Commissioner of their district and establishing coordination.
In addition, during night patrols, if police officers come across any destitute elderly people, they are taken to respected old age homes with the help of the Department of Social Welfare. Citizens can also assist by providing information about destitute elderly individuals through the Elder Line at 14567 or the emergency service UP-112 of the police department.
Under the state government’s Social Welfare Department, old age homes are being operated in all 75 districts of the state. In these homes, elderly individuals are provided with food, warm clothes, medicine, entertainment sources, and other necessities. A doctor is also available here so that medical treatment can be provided if necessary for the sick elderly.