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Keralites' life expectancy up, says AC Moideen

The budget has proposed the establishment of self-help groups to utilise the skills of at least 20,000 elderly people, he said.

ALAPPUZHA: The life expectancy of Keralites has increased due to the successful functioning of the health sector in the state, according to Mr A.C. Moideen, Minister for Local Self- Government.

Mr. Moideen was inaugurating ‘Sayoojyam,’ a comprehensive project for the welfare of senior citizens introduced by Thycattussery block panchayat at Poochakkal community hall here on Friday.

He hailed 'Sayoojyam’ as a model for the entire state. The state government has given due importance to the projects for the elderly. The budget has proposed the establishment of self-help groups to utilise the skills of at least 20,000 elderly people, he said.

He regretted that the culture of 'use and throw' had developed in the new generation. The Sayoojyam project would help provide a decent life to those aged above 60 in the five panchayats in the block.

It is being implemented with the support of health volunteers, ASHA workers and Anganwadi teachers. All 120 anganwadis in the block panchayat will be turned into care centres. Medical camps, care and protection, nutrient food, new technologies, frequent counselling and tours will be organised for the elderly people through the centres.

Local legislator A.M. Arif presided over the function. Thycattussery block panchayat president Nirmala Selvaraj, vice-president Rajesh Radhakrishnan and Pallipuram panchayat president P.R. Harikuttan were present.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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