Kerala to Launch 24-Hour Helpline and Home Safety Network for Elderly: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday announced a comprehensive initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly citizens living alone across the state. The plan includes a 24-hour helpline service, real-time digital connectivity, and home surveillance systems to assist senior citizens during emergencies.

Speaking at a Home Department seminar in Kannur held as part of the Vision 2031 programme, the Chief Minister said the new safety system will integrate the efforts of local self-governments, the police, and residents’ associations to build a unified support network for the elderly.

“Kerala has one of the highest proportions of elderly citizens in the country. By 2031, the number of senior citizens in the state is expected to reach nearly five million, and around four million households may have aged individuals living alone,” Pinarayi Vijayan said.

He stressed that the new digital safety network will enable simultaneous alerts to police and relatives in case of any medical emergency or distress signal from elderly residents. To strengthen this system, a centralised control room will be set up to receive, monitor, and respond to calls for help.

As part of the project, CCTV surveillance will also be installed in and around the homes of elderly individuals living alone to enhance security and enable quick response in case of emergencies.

To improve community-level engagement, the Chief Minister said the government will expand the existing Citizen Policing app into an interactive emergency response platform, ensuring faster and more effective communication between citizens and law enforcement authorities.

“When fully implemented, this will transform policing into a more responsive, people-centred, and accountable system,” Pinarayi Vijayan said, adding that the identity of informants providing information to the police will remain confidential.

He further noted that the state is evaluating systematic and comprehensive reforms to modernize the police force. “Our goal is to build a police system that upholds law and order, public safety, and democratic values, while maintaining a protective and citizen-centric approach,” the Chief Minister added.