Senior Welfare Best Practices Exchange
Schemes for Senior Citizens in PUNJAB
Compiled and sent by Shri Vinay Kumar Goyal, Chandigarh, Joint Secretary AISCCON
Key Benefits & Schemes (As of May 2026):
• Financial Assistance (Pension):
o Old Age Pension: Provides a monthly pension, typically ₹1,500 for those aged 60
69, increasing to ₹2,000 for those 70 and above, directly deposited into bank
accounts.
o Over 22 lakh seniors benefit from the Old Age Pension scheme.
o Eligibility: Generally for residents of Punjab aged 58+ (women) or 65+ (men),
though some schemes align with 60+ for both, with income criteria (often below
₹60,000 annually).
• Healthcare Services:
o Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (AB PM-JAY
MMSBY): A flagship cashless health insurance scheme covering 65% of the state’s
population, including senior citizens for treatment in government and private
hospitals.
o Health Camps & Outreach: Specialized, district-wise health camps (under the “‘Our
Elders, Our Pride'” campaign) offer geriatric checks, cataract surgeries, free medical
devices, and assistance with senior citizen cards.
o Helpline: A dedicated toll-free helpline number 14567 is operational for grievances.
• Travel & Social Welfare:
o Punjab Mukhyamantri Nishulk Teerth Yatra Yojana: Offers free-of-cost
pilgrimages to individuals above 60, with attendants allowed for those 75+.
o Assistance for Seniors: The “Our Elders, Our Pride” campaign aids in creating
senior citizen cards and educating them on legal rights.
• Institutional Care:
o Old Age Homes: The state maintains and funds old-age homes and daycare
centres (e.g., in Barnala, Mansa, and other districts).
o Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007:
Implementation through special tribunals for maintenance issues.