On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the policy, which has focused on social, financial and health sectors of senior citizens.
"I am glad that Odisha has its own senior citizens policy today. In this policy, the emphasis has been given on health care, security, housing and emotional needs of the senior citizens," said the Chief Minister.
The state government has decided to form a state council comprising various departments and several non-government organisations (NGOs) to ensure proper implementation of the policy.
Provisions have been made to felicitate individuals and organisations for rendering welfare service to the senior citizens, said a release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
About 40 lakh senior citizens are residing in Odisha, which constitutes 9.5 per cent of the total population of the state. Of the 40 lakh senior citizens, 86 per cent live in rural areas, the release added.
It is estimated that the population of the senior citizens in Odisha would be around 13.8 per cent of the total population by 2026, said the release.
