Karnataka To Consider Increasing Senior Pensions: CM Siddaramaiah

Approximately five million elderly people in Karnataka get monthly pensions and the administration will evaluate whether to increase the pension amount, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday during an event to mark the International Day of Older Persons.

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At the event, Minister of Women and Child Development and Disabled and Senior Citizens Empowerment, Laxmi Hebbalkar, announced a 50 per cent increase in salary for employees working in aged care helpline centres.

Siddaramaiah emphasised that society should recognise elders' social contributions, noting that they should be recognised and act as role models for the youth. Drawing inspiration from national poet Kuvempu, the Chief Minister urged everyone to aspire to become global citizens, claiming that elders' experiences may serve as a guiding light.

Concerned about the growing number of old age homes, the CM stated that even in a supportive home setting, more older people are choosing these facilities since their children live overseas. He noted that the tendency to admit older people to old age institutions must be stopped and that the government's actions aim to uplift the weak and impoverished.

During the ceremony, six people and one service organisation were recognised with state-level honours for outstanding achievements in a variety of sectors. Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah presented nutritional kits to ten ladies.

Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar emphasised the government's commitment to provide quality treatment to elders, noting that steps will be taken to develop a health insurance program exclusively for older people.

Furthermore, citing the recurring demand for increased pensions for older people, she promised participants that the matter would be brought to the Chief Minister's attention, stating, "We will ensure that senior citizens receive the support they deserve."

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With approximately 5.7 million senior citizens in the state, the government has allocated Rs 10.47 crore for the welfare of older people in the fiscal year 2024-25, allowing for various community-friendly programs, she said, adding that 63 old age homes have been established statewide through self-help organisations to assist weak and needy older adults. "Currently, 1,575 elderly individuals are residing in these facilities, and the process to open an additional 19 old age homes is underway," the representative said.