Chandigarh, June 13
As the world prepares to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Punjab’s “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar” initiative is emerging as a strong example of inclusive governance for senior citizens. The state’s 1076 doorstep governance helpline is helping elderly residents access pensions, certificates, land records, and hundreds of other government services without visiting offices, reducing dependence on family members and easing the burden of travel and long queues.
Doorstep governance for dignity and independence
Launched in December 2023, the 1076 service initially offered 45 government services. It has now expanded to 436 services across 29 departments. Citizens can call the helpline, after which a trained Seva Sahayak visits their home to assist with documentation, verification, and application processing.
For many elderly citizens, especially those living alone or facing mobility issues, routine administrative work such as applying for pensions or updating records can be stressful and exhausting. The doorstep model aims to remove those barriers and restore independence.
Thousands of elderly citizens using the service
According to government figures, the initiative has received more than 3.31 lakh applications since its launch. The service charge was also reduced from ₹120 to ₹50 to make it more affordable. One of the most popular services among senior citizens has been the Old Age Pension Scheme. The number of elderly applicants through the 1076 helpline has steadily grown. 685 applications were received when the pension service was launched in October 2025. 1,658 applications were received in February 2026 and 1,125 applications in April 2026. Overall, nearly 9,000 senior citizens have availed themselves of government services through the helpline without having to visit offices.
Bridging the digital divide
The initiative also addresses a major challenge faced by older citizens: digital exclusion. As more government systems move online, many seniors struggle with portals, OTP verification, and document uploads. The 1076 model combines technology with human assistance, ensuring that digitisation does not leave vulnerable citizens behind.
Part of a broader welfare push
The doorstep service is complemented by Punjab’s “Sade Bazurg, Sada Maan” campaign, which focuses on connecting elderly residents with pensions, healthcare, senior citizen identity cards, assistive devices, and welfare schemes. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has repeatedly stressed that government offices should not become a burden for citizens and that public services should reach people where they are.
A model of inclusive governance
Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology Minister Aman Arora said the initiative is about more than convenience. “For an elderly widow seeking pension benefits, a retired teacher needing official documents, or a senior farmer requiring land records, doorstep governance represents dignity, independence, and inclusion,” he said.
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Punjab’s 1076 helpline stands out as a practical welfare model that reduces dependency, improves access to services, and helps senior citizens remain active participants in public life.
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