‘Elder Facilitation Desks’ will be set up at local self-government institutions in Kerala to help senior citizens access government services and welfare schemes. The initiative will be implemented from October 1, observed as the International Day of Older Persons.

The desks at gram panchayats, municipalities and corporations will serve as a single-window system for senior citizens seeking government services.

The project is being jointly implemented by the Social Justice and Local Self-Government departments. The decision was taken based on a recommendation by Social Justice Department Director Dr Arun S Nair. Elder Welfare Department Secretary Rathan U Kelkar has issued an order in this regard.

The initiative is a continuation of the government's earlier ‘Elder-Friendly Office’ certification programme.

The desks will provide assistance with:
• Accessing pensions, health insurance and medical assistance
• Information about other eligible benefits and welfare schemes
• Online applications, uploading documents and accessing digital services
• Intervention during emergencies, including illness and situations requiring hospitalisation
• Providing a point of contact for senior citizens living alone during emergencies