THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that a data bank will be prepared by conducting an old age census of those who have passed the age of 60. This will be on the pattern of the 2015 Disability Census. The CM was assessing the schemes implemented by various departments for the elderly.

Data collection will also be done regarding the functioning of orphan/destitute/old age homes.

The Chief Minister directed the Women and Child Development Department to ensure the services of Anganwadi workers if needed for these matters. The Chief Minister directed that awareness should be created among the elderly regarding various schemes for the elderly. Lack of awareness prevents many deserving people from accessing benefits. Steps should be taken to create awareness by utilizing ward members, health inspectors, social justice department officials, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, Kudumbashree workers etc.

Offices will be run at the block level to bring the benefits of the schemes to the grassroots of the society and make them available to the common people. Vayomithram coordinators should be appointed in every block as a joint project of District Panchayat, Block Panchayat and Gram Panchayat.