Himanta Biswa Sarma orders action on document issues in Guwahati old age homes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has pledged swift action following startling revelations from elderly residents of old age homes in Guwahati. In a video message, Sarma expressed deep concern after elderly women at an age-old home highlighted their struggles with bureaucratic hurdles.

"I was deeply moved when grandmothers from an age-old home in Guwahati visited me and shared their plight," Sarma recounted. "They revealed their lack of essential documents like ration cards, Aadhar cards, and even bank accounts, depriving them of benefits under various government schemes."

Prompted by these revelations, Sarma directed Kamrup district's commissioner to investigate the situation further. The findings were alarming: out of 275 elderly women surveyed, only 107 possessed Aadhar cards, and a mere 26 had ration cards. Shockingly, only 10 had access to the Ayushman Bharat card, with 23 benefiting from the Orunodoi scheme. Moreover, a significant 231 grandmothers lacked bank accounts.

Expressing urgency, Sarma said, "If grandmothers in Guwahati face such hardships, how many more suffer across the state?" He issued a strict 30-day deadline for Kamrup district to resolve these issues and instructed all district commissioners to ensure every elderly resident in their jurisdiction receives necessary documents promptly.

"This is not just about paperwork; it's about dignity and access to essential services," Sarma said. "We must ensure that no elderly person is left behind."