The Chandigarh Administration has started the Chandigarh Toll-Free Helpline for the elders. Now, senior citizens in the union territory can call the number to get all kinds of information about various schemes of the government, pension and legal issues, and their rights. The helpline will also extend emotional support, immediate assistance in case of abuse, legal issues related to maintenance as well as providing rescue facilities to the homeless elderly persons of the city. The number will work from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.
Dharampal, Advisor to the Administrator, inaugurated the helpline number-14567 in Sector 19.
There are seven trained employees in the control center of the helpline, who have been trained by the Government of India, said Social Welfare Department officials. The staff includes Project Manager, IT Leader, Quality Leader and Call Responder-cum-Field Response Officer.
Dharampal also directed the department to use social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to spread awareness about the helpline. He also appreciated the efforts of the Social Welfare Department in setting up a dedicated helpline for elderly persons during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Elder Line 14567 aims to connect all senior citizens and their well-being seekers across the country with a single platform to share their concerns without any hesitation or hassle. With the help of the helpline number, senior citizens will be able to find information and guidance about the problems they face on a day-to-day basis. It will provide free information, guidance and on-field intervention in abuse, rescue cases to senior citizens to improve their quality of life. The helpline can also help the senior citizens of the city in case of an emergency like a pandemic.
Emphasising the need to sensitise society, the UT Adviser appealed to the department to carry out awareness programmes and advocacy drives among the general public regarding the services of Elder Line 14567 to make a positive difference in the lives of senior citizens in Chandigarh and provide them unconditional support.