Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that senior citizens are not a burden on society and everyone needs to expand the scope of respect, love, and compassion for the elderly so that no more old age homes are required in society.
“As a social responsibility, we need to stand by senior citizens,” said Dr. Saha after inaugurating an eye treatment camp jointly organized by Shantipara Praveen Nagrik Sangh and Ashwini Netralaya at Vivekananda Awas in Shantipara, Agartala.
Dr. Saha, who is also the Health Minister, said that the spontaneity of the elderly is no less than that of the young.
“The urge to do something for society can be seen in them. Organizing such an eye treatment camp is undoubtedly a commendable initiative. Generally, to avoid eye problems, citizens need to get regular eye tests after the age of 40. However, in the current digital era, eye problems are also seen in children due to excessive use of mobile phones and the internet,” he said.
The Chief Minister mentioned at the event that the decision to bring all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, irrespective of their income, for health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024.
“Along with this, the state also has a system of providing special benefits in the health sector for citizens under the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana. The current state government has increased the amount of social allowance to Rs 2,000. In the financial year 2024-25, more than 4 lakh 8 thousand beneficiaries have been provided social allowance under various schemes. More than Rs 518 crore has been spent for this,” said Dr. Saha.
He informed that in the current state budget, a provision has been made to launch a scheme called the Chief Minister's Scheme for Mentally Challenged Persons, under which a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 will be provided to mentally challenged persons.
“In this case, those who are currently receiving an allowance of Rs 2,000 will be given an additional monthly allowance of Rs 3,000,” he said.
At the event, the Chief Minister highlighted various initiatives of the government to develop and expand the health infrastructure and services in the state.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Councilor Ratna Dutta, Director of the Health Department Dr. Tapan Majumdar, and social worker Shyamal Deb were present at the event.
India’s fight against terrorism will continue: Tripura CM Manik Saha
The Chief Minister, who according to the senior officials regularly monitors the India-Bangladesh border situation with Tripura, said that all the security and other agencies both at the state and national level are closely monitoring the situation.
3rd party intervention to negotiate or settle India’s matters uncalled-for: CPI-M
The Left leader said that U.S. President (Donald Trump) not only changes the country’s Vice-President’s stand but he is not behaving like a US President he is acting like a President of the world, which is unacceptable.
Satellites are continuously working to ensure India's security: ISRO Chairman
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan on Sunday said that 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country.
Indo-Pak tension: NE students studying in Punjab & Haryana moved to safer places
In the wake of the India-Pakistan tensions, various state governments of the northeast have moved their students studying in Punjab and Haryana to safer places, officials said on Saturday.
‘We are working under PM Modi’s direction’: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that he has requested the Central and state forces to work in synchronisation in dealing with the present situation arising in view of the India-Pakistan tensions.
Govt launches 24X7 helpline for students studying outside the state
In light of the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, the Tripura government has launched a 24×7 emergency helpline to support students from the state who are pursuing education in different parts of the country.
Indian army responding to Pak ceasefire violations: FS Vikram Misri
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday said that Indian armed forces have been responding adequately to the ceasefire violations by the Pakistani army despite the announcement of truce between the two countries a few hours earlier.