Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 4 (PTI) The Kerala government will launch a 24×7 state-level helpline for senior citizens, set up district ageing cells and introduce a host of welfare measures for the elderly and persons with disabilities as part of its 100-day action programme.
State Fisheries and Social Justice Minister V E Abdul Gafoor said on Saturday that the initiatives form part of development and welfare projects worth Rs 468 crore to be implemented by departments under his ministry.
The Social Justice Department has earmarked Rs 37.2 crore for the programme, he said in a statement.
The programme also includes the setting up of a Directorate and district-level offices for elderly welfare, a state-level governing council headed by the Chief Minister, a technical advisory committee and elders facilitation desks in all local self-government institutions, he said.
The government will undertake a baseline survey on the elderly, prepare vulnerability and workforce registries, introduce certification for elderly-friendly government offices and health institutions, and roll out a dementia-friendly Kerala initiative.
The programme also envisages neighbourhood support networks through all-women network Kudumbashree, inter-generational initiatives, accessibility projects for persons with disabilities, respite homes and a state-level survey on the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
The Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation will provide free three-wheelers and financial assistance for vehicle purchases by entrepreneurs with disabilities, he further said in the statement.
Apart from the social welfare initiatives, the government will implement projects worth Rs 396.15 crore through the Harbour Engineering Department and Rs 35 crore through the Fisheries Department.
The fisheries projects include new fish markets, cold storage facilities, fisheries infrastructure, housing projects for coastal residents and e-mobility support for women fish vendors, while the harbour engineering package covers the completion and launch of several harbour modernisation and coastal infrastructure projects across the state.
The minister directed officials to ensure timely completion of all projects during a review meeting, the statement added. PTI LGK ADB
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