ADC orders social audit of old-age homes in Ludhiana district

Ludhiana, July 5

Additional Deputy Commissioner (D) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal has ordered social audit of all old-age homes under the jurisdiction of Ludhiana. He also directed local officials of the Transport Department/Punjab Roadways/PRTC to ensure free bus travel for attendants of visually-impaired passengers in government buses.

The social audit will complete by September 30 and it will be reviewed in the next quarterly meeting.

At a meeting regarding the empowerment of specially-abled persons, implementation of provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the welfare of the Senior Citizens and Maintenance Act 2007, Dhaliwal emphasised the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of senior citizens. After the completion of the social audit, the administration will enrol every eligible person residing in old-aged homes under the pension scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 to women of 58 years of age and above, and to men of 65 years and above.

Furthermore, all old-age homes have been directed to display information regarding grants or financial aid being provided to the homes on a notice board. Additionally, local officials of the Transport Department/ Punjab Roadways/ PRTC have been asked to ensure free bus travel for attendants of visually-challenged passengers in government buses to enhance the mobility and independence of the latter.

Dhaliwal also emphasised the need for upcoming government buildings to meet accessibility standards and for existing government buildings to have ramp facilities. He also reviewed the coverage of unique disability for the Health Department for 100 per cent UDID coverage for all specially-abled persons through special camps.