Bhubaneswar: In a bid to promote the health, well-being, and social awareness of senior citizens, the Odisha Government’s Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department has directed all district headquarters to organise half-day programs for the elderly on February 20,2026 coinciding with World Day of Social Justice.
According to SSEPD Director Parul Patawari, funds have already been allocated under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) scheme. Additional support will be drawn from the ABADANA scheme (A Scheme for Welfare and Protection of Senior Citizens) to ensure productive and awareness-focused activities for participants.
The programs, which are expected to cater to around 200 senior citizens per district, will feature morning yoga sessions, health check-ups, and awareness programs on digital literacy, financial literacy, and legal rights under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007. Health check-ups will be conducted by medical teams from District Headquarters Hospitals, while sessions on safety, cyber security, banking, insurance, and legal issues will involve experts from relevant authorities.
The half-day events will conclude with lunch for participants, with each district’s expenditure capped at Rs 2.5 lakh, covering venue arrangements, informational materials, honoraria, refreshments, and meals.
District Social Security Officers have been instructed to personally supervise the programs and submit compliance reports along with utilisation certificates to the SSEPD Department.
The initiative underscores the Odisha Government’s commitment to the welfare, empowerment, and social inclusion of senior citizens across the state.
