Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 3: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India, through the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare, A & N Administration, and the service provider, Alankit Assignments Limited, New Delhi, has launched the National Helpline for Senior Citizens – Elder Line 14567, under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.
This vital initiative aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of elderly citizens across the country. In the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the helpline is operational since 24th December 2024 and functions daily from 8 AM to 8 PM from the WCD Control Room building, VIP Road, Junglighat.
The helpline, accessible via the toll-free number 14567, provides free services including information, guidance, emotional support, and field-level interventions. It serves as a critical response system to address the concerns, grievances, and needs of the elderly. Through this platform, elderly citizens are given a voice and a channel for support, intervention, and protection.
Since its inception, the National Helpline for Senior Citizens (NHSC) has received over 500 calls. Out of these, 103 calls were officially registered and 101 cases have been successfully resolved. The nature of issues addressed includes requests for information, emotional support, complaints of physical and mental abuse, economic neglect, health-related problems, chronic illnesses, and other welfare concerns. Each case has been handled with compassion, urgency, and appropriate field action to ensure that senior citizens receive the attention and services they rightfully deserve.
In one notable intervention, NHSC responded to a complaint regarding the prolonged waiting times faced by senior citizens at the State Bank of India. Acting promptly, NHSC personnel engaged directly with SBI officials and submitted a formal request, leading to the successful introduction of a separate queue for senior citizens at the bank. This small yet significant step has greatly improved the ease of access to banking services for elderly individuals and restored their sense of dignity.
Additionally, the NHSC team conducted Ayushman Bharat Card enrolment drives at five key locations: Ullas Old Age Home, Abhyudaya Complex Old Age Home, Chinmaya Mission, Haddo Ward No. 2, and Wimberlygunj Panchayat Hall. These efforts have so far benefited over 150 senior citizens, enabling them to access essential healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. For those who were bedridden or unable to travel, NHSC coordinated with the Directorate of Health Services to ensure doorstep delivery of these services, allowing elderly individuals to receive their cards without the need to leave their homes.
Further, NHSC identified two vulnerable elderly families through Chinmaya Mission and extended monthly ration support to them, offering much-needed relief during times of hardship. These efforts reflect NHSC’s unwavering commitment to social inclusion, healthcare access, and financial support for the elderly population of the Islands.
The Directorate of Social Welfare and NHSC remain steadfast in their mission to provide a secure and supportive environment for senior citizens in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Department has extended its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Ayushman Bharat team, Chinmaya Mission, and other partners, whose cooperation has been instrumental in the successful implementation of these initiatives. The helpline continues to serve as a beacon of care, compassion, and prompt action for the elderly community.
For any assistance, support, or grievance redressal, elderly persons or their family members are encouraged to contact the National Helpline for Senior Citizens at 14567– a toll-free number dedicated to empowering and protecting our senior citizens.