Chandigarh: Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the dignity, safety and well-being of senior citizens, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is strengthening support services for the elderly through the implementation of Elderline 14567 in the state, enabling senior citizens to access timely assistance, legal guidance and a wide range of essential support services.
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Elderline 14567 has emerged as a trusted lifeline for senior citizens in Punjab, having responded to over 2.5 lakh calls across the state. She said the helpline has successfully rescued and reunited 91 abandoned senior citizens with their families and facilitated the resolution of more than 1,000 cases related to elder abuse and maintenance, bringing timely relief, restoring dignity and ensuring that elderly citizens facing neglect or hardship are never left to fend for themselves.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the elderly are the pillars of society and deserve compassion, respect and a secure life. She said the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no senior citizen feels neglected or helpless and that Elderline 14567 is more than just a helpline—it is a dependable source of reassurance, guidance and timely support whenever senior citizens need it most.
The Minister informed that Elderline 14567 is being operated in Punjab through a tripartite arrangement involving the Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development, Punjab, HelpAge India and the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). The toll-free helpline functions seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with trained and empathetic call officers providing immediate assistance and guidance.
She further said that the helpline offers comprehensive information on old-age pensions and other government welfare schemes, professional counselling, legal assistance, rescue and rehabilitation of homeless senior citizens, and intervention in cases of abuse, neglect and maintenance through the District Tribunals constituted under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
Dr. Baljit Kaur urged senior citizens and their families to make full use of the toll-free helpline 14567 whenever they require assistance. She reiterated that the Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a compassionate, inclusive and caring society where every elderly citizen can live with dignity, security and peace of mind.
