12 old-age homes under construction: Dola

Minister for Social Welfare Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy has announced that 12 new old-age homes are being constructed across the State with all necessary facilities in coordination with the Central Government. Digital identity cards will also be issued to elderly people.
The Social Welfare Minister chaired the Senior Citizens State Council and the State Advisory Board for Disabled People meetings at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Monday.
During the review, the Minister discussed the protection of elderly people, the establishment of old-age homes, the disbursement of social security pensions to elderly and disabled individuals, the issuance of certificates to the physically disabled, the establishment of Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Kendras (PMDKs), and the implementation of 5% reservations for differently abled individuals.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stressed the importance of raising awareness among elderly people about their rights and ensuring the strict implementation of laws. He directed the police department to collect details of elderly individuals living alone and display them at village secretariats.
He further stated that all elderly people should be issued digital identity cards and instructed the police to take strict action against those who harass them. He assured that the government would take strong measures to safeguard the health and assets of the elderly.
Minister Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy reiterated that the coalition government is committed to providing better facilities and welfare for elderly and differently abled individuals. He announced that pensions would be directly deposited into the accounts of disabled students residing in hostels and colleges across various districts, ensuring they receive their benefits without inconvenience. Pension verification is being conducted to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive support.
Reaffirming that no social security pension would be cancelled, the Minister assured that all eligible individuals would receive their pensions. He emphasised that the government’s goal is to ensure that everyone who qualifies benefits from welfare schemes.
He also stated that steps are being taken to implement the 5% reservation for disabled individuals. Proposals have been submitted to the Central Government for the establishment of five Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Kendras in the State, which will be set up in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Ongole, Tirupati, and Kurnool.
The Minister added that officials have been instructed to install wheelchairs for differently abled individuals in all government offices and to ensure that everyone obtains an Aadhaar card.
He further announced that Braille books would be provided to blind students at the beginning of the next academic year, and counselling would be arranged for the parents of autistic students through psychologists.