Sayamprabha rapid response team in all 14 districts

A Sayamprabha rapid response team has been formed in all 14 districts to ensure safety and security of the elderly, their rehabilitation, empowerment, and welfare, Minister for Social Justice R. Bindu has said.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Dr. Bindu said a training programme for those leading the rapid response team and a cultural fete in which elderly talents in the State’s Sayamprabha homes and old-age homes will take part, will be held in the State capital.

Referring to the State Elderly Policy that was recently given approval by the State Cabinet and the recently formed Kerala State Elderly Commission, the Minister also spoke about other projects taken up by the Social Justice department for elderly welfare such as Sallapam, Vayosanthwanam, extension of Second Innings home to all government old-age homes, and transformation of 15 Pakal Veedu (daycare centres) to model Sayamprabha Homes.

The Sayamprabha rapid response teams would take these activities further by providing the elderly security when required, their proper rehabilitation, their empowerment, and their reintegration in society, the Minister said.

The initiative would set up coordination mechanisms between maintenance tribunals for the elderly, the police, disaster management authorities, and other emergency services for the elderly, she said.

Rehabilitation facilities suited to the elderly who have been abandoned, those living in difficult circumstances, those without people to take care of them or lacking such facilities, and those facing abuse will be ensured by the rapid response team.

As part of the initiative, field-level staff and service providers such as caregivers in Sayamprabha Homes, technical assistants helping revenue divisional officers in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, field response officers, and Model Sayamprabha Home facilitators would be given training. The training would be held on Thursday.

The Minister said the Sayamprabha Fest was being held to showcase and encourage the talents of the elderly living in Sayamaprabha Homes and old-age homes. Nearly 200 elderly people will take part in the fete. A city tour on a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation double-decker bus has been arranged for them.

Dr. Bindu will inaugurate the training and the Sayamprabha Fest 2026 at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Vellar, on Wednesday. M. Vincent, MLA, will preside.