Shimla, Oct 1 (NationPress) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu presided over the state-level event celebrating the International Day of Older Persons in 2025 at the iconic Ridge. He expressed that the Himachal government is making dedicated efforts to enhance the facilities and social security for senior citizens.

As per CM Sukhu, the state is currently providing social security pensions ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700 per month to 671,754 senior citizens.

Men aged 60 to 69 are receiving Rs 1,000 monthly, while their female counterparts in the same age range receive Rs 1,500, he noted.

Moreover, all senior citizens over the age of 70 are granted Rs 1,700 each month, according to CM Sukhu.

Additionally, under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, 2.37 lakh women are also benefiting from a monthly pension of Rs 1,500.

The Sukhu administration is also extending financial support of Rs 3 lakh to single and widowed women for constructing their homes.

A Sukh Aashray Parisar is currently underway in Jwalamukhi, with an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, where senior citizens will be provided with all essential amenities to ensure they feel at home, he stated.

Furthermore, CM Sukhu mentioned that the Rogi Mitra Yojana aimed at routine health check-ups for senior citizens will soon be launched.

Since the Congress government took charge in Himachal, significant focus has been placed on social welfare policies, CM Sukhu highlighted.

In a notable achievement, he pointed out that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to legislate a law that designates orphaned children as 'Children of the State.'

These children receive support until the age of 27, covering their education, vocational training, and a monthly allowance of Rs 4,000, he added.

They are also provided opportunities for exposure visits annually, with all travel, accommodation, and boarding costs covered by the government, CM Sukhu stated.