New Delhi: Ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reins of the Uttar Pradesh government as the Chief Minister, the safety, security, and all-round welfare of the needy, vulnerable and deprived sections have been among the top priorities of the government.

In the efforts to realise the above objective even during such challenging times, according to the instructions issued by the Uttar Pradesh government, under the ELDERLINE project, all senior citizens in need are being provided complete assistance and comfort amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic across the state.

In order to address the concerns and grievances of the people aged above 60 years of age, the Yogi Government through this initiative has reached the vulnerable section and homeless elderly citizens in times of crisis to help them in terms of health concerns, emotional support and legal aid.

The toll-free helpline facility was made operational in Uttar Pradesh on May 14 to extend complete support to the elderly citizens across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Helpline- 14567 receiving 80-90 calls daily

The helpline- 14567, is being cited as a critical step to reach the elderly in need during the prevailing pandemic in the state, as it receives as many as 80 to 90 actionable calls on a daily basis from various districts of Uttar Pradesh ranging from Noida to Ballia.

Amid the prevailing pandemic, Uttar Pradesh became the first state in the country to extend emotional care and support, health and legal assistance to the elderly through the call centres which remain functional from Mornings 8 am onwards to 8 pm in the Evenings regularly. The Yogi government in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has effectively implemented the scheme throughout the state.

All queries pertaining to information on old age homes, physiotherapy units, health related, mental health related and legal issues are being addressed promptly, thereby ensuring quick redressal of grievances as directed by the state government. The ELDERLINE facility has been operationalised with the assistance of Tata Trusts and the NSE foundation.

Homeless Elderly woman suffering from hunger provided an old age home

Through ‘Elderline’, a hungry and homeless 70-year-old elderly woman in the Kasganj district was provided the comfort of an Old Age Home. Some People had informed about the plight of the woman by dialing the Covid-19 toll free helpline 14567, after which the field response leader reached the spot and with the help of the local police and Tehsildar, the elderly woman was taken to an old age home, thereafter, her antigen test was conducted which was negative.

Stranded ex-serviceman guided to his home

‘Elderline’ also helped a 70-year-old ex-serviceman stranded and stuck at the Chandausi Bus stand for almost one and a half months reach his home.

The elderly man identified as Mahesh Kumar Rastogi, an ex-serviceman who had come to meet his daughter from Khatima, Uttarakhand, was refused by the daughter to enter her house, after which he had no option but to remain at the Chandausi bus stand. He was helped by the Elderline Team in going back to his home and was also provided food.