Punjab’s 1076 helpline becomes a lifeline for senior citizens, nearly 9,000 benefited
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 13, 2026: As the world observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Punjab Government has highlighted its 1076 doorstep governance initiative as a model for improving access to public services for senior citizens, ensuring greater dignity, independence and ease of living.
Launched under the “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar” programme in December 2023, the initiative enables citizens to access government services from their homes through a single phone call to the 1076 helpline. What began with 45 services has now expanded to 436 services across 29 government departments.
Under the scheme, a trained Seva Sahayak visits the applicant’s residence, assists with documentation, verifies records and completes the application process at the doorstep, eliminating the need for repeated visits to government offices.
According to official figures, more than 3.31 lakh applications have been received through the service since its launch. The government has also reduced the doorstep service fee from ₹120 to ₹50 to make it more affordable and accessible.
The initiative has particularly benefited elderly citizens, many of whom face mobility challenges and difficulties navigating digital platforms. Nearly 9,000 senior citizens have availed government services through the helpline, including applications for old-age pensions, certificates, welfare benefits and record updates.
The Old Age Pension Scheme remains among the most sought-after services. Applications from senior citizens increased from 685 when the service was launched for pension-related assistance in October 2025 to a peak of 1,658 in February 2026, with 1,125 applications recorded in April this year.
The initiative complements Punjab’s “Sade Bazurg, Sada Maan” campaign, which focuses on connecting elderly residents with pensions, healthcare services, senior citizen identity cards, assistive devices and other welfare schemes.
Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology Minister Aman Arora said the doorstep governance model represents a powerful form of inclusion by ensuring senior citizens remain active participants in public life rather than merely beneficiaries of government programmes.
The government said the initiative reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's vision of taking government services directly to citizens, especially those who face the greatest barriers in accessing them. For thousands of elderly residents, the 1076 helpline has reduced dependence on others and made accessing public services simpler and more dignified.