Chief Minister Inaugurates Eye Treatment Camp: Emphasizes Respect and Compassion for the Elderly
Tripura, 10 May 2025: CM Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated a free eye treatment camp at Vivekananda Abas in Shantipara, Agartala, jointly organized by Shantipara Senior Citizens’ Association and Ashwini Netralaya. Speaking on the occasion, he stressed the importance of widening the scope of respect, love, and compassion for senior citizens, stating that elderly people are not a burden to society. “We must ensure that no new old-age homes are needed.
It is our social responsibility to stand by our senior citizens,” he said. He noted that older people often show a strong willingness to contribute to society, and initiatives like this eye camp are commendable. The Chief Minister advised citizens over the age of 40 to undergo regular eye checkups, especially in today’s digital age where even children are experiencing vision problems due to excessive use of mobile phones and the internet. During the event, Dr. Saha highlighted the Union Cabinet’s approval in September 2024 to bring all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, providing them with Rs 5 lakh in health insurance coverage, regardless of their income.
He also spoke about the state’s Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which offers additional healthcare benefits. The Chief Minister mentioned that the state government has increased the amount of social pension to Rs 2,000. In the financial year 2024-25, more than 4.08 lakh beneficiaries received social pensions under various schemes, costing the state over Rs 518 crore. A new scheme named “Chief Minister’s Scheme for Mentally Challenged Persons” has also been introduced in the state budget, offering a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 to mentally challenged individuals.
Existing beneficiaries currently receiving Rs 2,000 will now get an additional Rs 3,000. Dr. Saha further elaborated on the state government’s various initiatives to strengthen and expand health infrastructure and services. He acknowledged the experience of elderly people as a source of inspiration and expressed hope that a healthy and beautiful society would be built through the combined efforts of both young and old.
Agartala Municipal Corporation councillor Ratna Dutta delivered the welcome speech. Health Director Dr. Tapan Majumdar and social worker Shyamal Deb also spoke at the event. Narayan Chandra Saha, President of the Senior Citizens’ Association, delivered the vote of thanks. A total of 110 people received eye care services during the camp.
