Thiruvananthapuram | BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday welcomed the Keralam government's scheme for senior citizens but called for proper implementation, including adequate funding for healthcare and welfare programmes.

Keralam on Tuesday became the first state in the country to introduce a comprehensive Bill in the Assembly to protect senior citizens from abuse and exploitation, regulate elderly care centres and ensure better access to healthcare and social security.

In a Facebook post, he said the younger generation was being forced to leave the state in search of better education, employment and a secure future, leaving elderly parents and senior citizens alone and vulnerable.

He said the poor condition of the government healthcare system further aggravated the situation, adding that power cuts and shortages of medicines were putting the lives of senior citizens and patients at risk.

"You have completed the simple task of passing the Bill, but the real challenge ahead is to find the necessary funds for health insurance, welfare schemes and public healthcare systems," he said.

Chandrasekhar said the BJP, as a constructive Opposition, would closely monitor whether the government fulfilled its promises to the people.

"The government has so far failed to fulfil any of the promises it has made. We hope that, at least for the welfare of our senior citizens and vulnerable sections, you will move beyond mere promises and demonstrate action," he said.