Helpline for senior citizens
Senior Citizens Help Centre in Chennai: The Chennai Police has launched a Senior Citizens Help Centre dedicated to people aged 60 years and above. The helpline number 1252 is available for immediate assistance. This initiative ensures timely support for vulnerable elders living alone or facing challenges.
Static GK fact: The International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1 October every year.
Bandham scheme for elderly support
In 2024, a special scheme named Bandham was introduced to provide targeted help to senior citizens, especially those aged 75 and above. The support covers medical emergencies, legal guidance, counselling, security arrangements, and regular follow-ups by police personnel.
As of 2025, the centre has resolved 1,191 cases, including 185 legal issues, 6 medical emergencies, 5 security cases, and 41 essential service requests. Significantly, most of these were addressed within 72 hours, showing the efficiency of the programme.
Static GK Tip: India’s Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act was enacted in 2007 to safeguard the rights of elderly citizens.
Kaval Karangal initiative
Alongside Bandham, the Kaval Karangal programme has been vital in rescuing abandoned seniors. In 2025 alone, the initiative helped 646 elderly persons, out of which 117 were reunited with their families after police traced their addresses. This highlights the humanitarian role of the police in social care.
Static GK fact: According to Census 2011, India had about 104 million elderly persons, comprising 8.6% of the total population.
Role of police in welfare
These initiatives underline the increasing social responsibility of police forces. Beyond maintaining law and order, the Chennai Police is addressing psychological, medical, and social needs of senior citizens. The measures are particularly significant in urban areas where many elders live away from their children.
Static GK Tip: Tamil Nadu ranks among the states with a higher proportion of elderly population in India, making such welfare schemes more impactful.
Way forward
Strengthening partnerships with NGOs, healthcare providers, and community volunteers can further enhance the effectiveness of these schemes. Expanding helplines, home visits, and digital support services will ensure safety and dignity for senior citizens.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Senior Citizens Help Centre in Chennai:
| Topic | Detail |
| Helpline for seniors | Chennai Police launched helpline 1252 for citizens aged 60+ |
| Bandham scheme launch | Introduced in 2024 for citizens aged 75+ |
| Bandham case resolutions | 1,191 cases resolved by 2025 within 72 hours |
| Legal cases handled | 185 legal issues resolved |
| Medical cases handled | 6 medical emergencies addressed |
| Security cases handled | 5 security-related issues resolved |
| Essential services | 41 service requests resolved |
| Kaval Karangal initiative | Rescued 646 abandoned seniors in 2025 |
| Reunited with families | 117 abandoned seniors reunited |
| Elderly population in India | 104 million elderly (Census 2011), 8.6% of population |
