Government to Launch ‘Rogi Mitra Yojana’ for Elderly Soon: CM Sukhu. 

CM Flags Off Cycling Rally, Announces New Welfare Measures on International Day of Older Persons. 

Shimla:

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to launch a new welfare initiative, ‘Rogi Mitra Yojana’, aimed at ensuring regular health check-ups for senior citizens, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced today. The CM was presiding over the State-level function to mark the International Day of Older Persons-2025, held at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla.

Addressing a large gathering, CM Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the elderly, stating that the upcoming Rogi Mitra scheme will further strengthen healthcare access for senior citizens across the state.

Pension for Over 6.7 Lakh Elderly Citizens

The Chief Minister shared that the state government is providing social security pensions ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,700 per month to 6,71,754 senior citizens, without any income limit.

• Men aged 60–69: Rs. 1,000/month
• Women aged 60–69: Rs. 1,500/month
• All citizens aged 70+: Rs. 1,700/month

He added that under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna, over 2.37 lakh women are receiving a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500. The government is also offering Rs. 3 lakh in financial aid for house construction to single and widowed women.

Modern Facilities for Elderly at ‘Sukh Aashray Parisar’

CM Sukhu announced that a ‘Sukh Aashray Parisar’ is being built in Jwalamukhi at a cost of Rs. 100 crore, which will provide elderly citizens with modern residential and healthcare facilities. The project is part of the government’s broader plan to provide dignity and care for senior citizens.

Himachal Recognized for Welfare of Orphans

Highlighting the government’s progressive policies, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to grant orphan children the legal status of ‘Children of the State’. These children are supported until the age of 27, including their education, professional training, and monthly pocket money of Rs. 4,000.

They are also taken on annual exposure visits fully funded by the state, including travel, accommodation, and food.

Reforms in Education and Healthcare

CM Sukhu also emphasized the transformation in the state’s education sector, with Himachal Pradesh climbing from 21st to 5th place in the national education rankings.

• 100 government schools will soon be upgraded to CBSE pattern schools.
• Medical colleges are being modernized with equipment matching AIIMS-Delhi standards, with an investment of Rs. 300 crore.
• Robotic surgeries have started at Chamiana and Tanda Medical Colleges for just Rs. 30,000 — a fraction of the Rs. 2 lakh charged by private hospitals.

Commitment to Social Welfare Over Politics

In a strong political statement, CM Sukhu said that the state government restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) despite pressure from the Centre to implement the New Pension Scheme (NPS). “We chose welfare over politics,” he said, noting that several financial restrictions have been imposed by the Union government as a result.

Senior Citizens and Contributors Honoured

On this occasion, the CM felicitated several senior citizens and social contributors from different districts of Himachal for their outstanding work, including:

• Yashpal, Keshav Ram, Sumitra Chandel, and Shrinivas Joshi from Shimla
• Prof. Amar Singh Chauhan and Rajendra Kumar Sharma from Sirmaur
• Dr. P.K. Pathania, Help Age India Solan, and Shalendra Panwar from Solan
• Anita Thakur from Kullu, Milap Singh from Hamirpur, and others from Una, Mandi, and Bilaspur

Cycling Rally and Walkathon Enthrall the Crowd

Earlier in the day, CM Sukhu flagged off a Cycling Rally and Walkathon, which drew enthusiastic participation from people of all ages. He also visited exhibition stalls put up by various Women Self-Help Groups.

A ramp walk by senior citizens aged 60 to 82 became a highlight of the event, along with colourful cultural performances that added festive cheer to the celebration.

The event was attended by several prominent leaders and officials including:

• MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal
• Chairman HPBOCWWB Nardev Singh Kanwar, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap
• Former Deputy Mayor Tikender Singh Panwar, among others

The celebrations reflected the government’s continued focus on inclusive development and dignified living for senior citizens, with the announcement of the Rogi Mitra Yojana adding another chapter to its growing list of welfare initiatives.