Dehradun. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the International Day of Older Persons ceremony at the Himalayan Cultural Centre in Neembuwala on Thursday. During the event he launched a dedicated civil‑services coaching programme for persons with disabilities and paid tribute to 23 senior citizens for their noteworthy achievements across various fields.
Five young participants who excelled in essay‑writing and painting contests were also felicitated.
₹147.34 Crore Pension Disbursed in One Click
The chief minister activated a one‑click payment portal to transfer September’s pension instalment. A total of 9,93,886 pensioners received ₹147 crore 34 lakh 53 thousand under the scheme.
In addition, Dhami renewed his pledge to improve senior‑citizen welfare, and planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign on the centre’s grounds.
“Senior Citizens Are the Protective Shield of Families”
Addressing the gathering, Dhami extended his best wishes to the elderly on the International Day of Older Persons, praying for their health and longevity.
He highlighted that senior citizens provide families with a sense of security and serve as custodians of values and life lessons for younger generations. Describing them as a “protective shield,” he emphasized their role in fostering discipline, affection, and emotional bonding within households.
