Emilo Khuvung
Kohima I October 1
Taking the platform of ‘International Day of Older Persons’ here today, the Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum (NSCF) today requested the state’s department of social welfare to initiate a recreation centres initially for Kohima village which has the highest number of people above 80 years of age in the state and subsequently in all the assembly constituency areas.
He also opined that the government may also initiate to provide at least one Old Age Home in each of the assembly constituency areas in the state.
NSCF member Dr. S. Imkong Tushi Ao said that there is recreational centres for senior citizens in all assembly constituencies of Delhi providing TV, Radio, Library, discourse on religious/social matters, indoor games, picnics and outing and Delhi Police have list of senior citizens in their beat to help ensure security, DTC provides concessionary rate passes for 65 years and above with 2 reserved seat for seniors. Haryana government ordered one Old Age Home in each urban estate upon a land measuring I acre.
Referring to transportation, he cited that railways and airlines provide concession to senior citizens; Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharastra, Chandigarh provides concession for travel to senior citizens and many states have bus seats reserved for the senior citizens and elderly women above 60 years enjoy free travel in Punjab buses.
Coming back to the context of Nagaland, Dr. Ao requested government to consider the provision of 10 kgs or more food grains free of cost under Annapurna scheme for the over 65 years not covered under National Old Pension Scheme.
In medical line, the Forum requested the department to provide separate queues for older persons in government hospitals for registration and examination, and geriatric ward with doctors trained in geriatric care and concessionary fees and payments for investigation and treatment.
On transportation, it also requested that government to provide at least 2 reserved seats for senior citizens and concessionary fares for them in the NST buses.
‘Old age people in our society is a blessing’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 1
Along with the rest of the world, State capital today observed the ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at Red Cross building with MLA and Advisor of Art & Culture, Science & Technology, New & Renewable Energy, Deo Nukhu as the chief guest.
Speaking at the programme, Nukhu said ‘It is a day the world respect and honour the older persons, without whose valuable advice, the society will find it difficult to progress in various areas of life.’ While acknowledging this auspicious day, as an opportunity to acknowledge the wisdom and dignity contributed by older persons to our society and to re-dedicate ourselves to their wellbeing, Nukhu said “having more grey haired old age people in our society is a blessing and honour.” Nukhu said with the change of time in the society, running of Old Age Homes have been set up for proper care and protection of destitute and neglected senior citizens, however in a our society such common homes for old age people was not a tradition. Stating that responsibility lies on the children in taking care of their parents and grand-parents in their old age, he appeal to all the youngsters to realize the need of taking care of the welfare of the older persons and urged to motivate and propagate such need while observing the day.
While highlighting the schemes implemented for the poor and needy citizens like Indira Gandhi National Old Pension Scheme (IGNOAP) by the department of Social Welfare, Nukhu said that it is reported that 40,462 senior citizens below poverty line beneficiaries above 65 years of age are provided with Rs. 300 per month as old pension (i.e Rs 200 as central share and Rs. 100 as state share). He also congratulated the two outstanding personalities namely Rano M. Shaiza, Ex-Member of Parliament and K. Peseyie, retired Director of School Education, Sports & Youth Services for being awarded with ‘Distinguished Senior Citizen’s Award 2010’ and also to all the awardees in the district level functions being held today across the state. The Chief Guest also announced that the Essay competition on topic “Social Responsibilities towards our Parents and Senior Citizens” in 800 words for the Senior High School of Class 9 and 10 throughout Nagaland will be organized by the Department of Social Welfare department.
Dr. S.I Toshi, Nagaland Senior Citizen Forum while delivering its significance appeal that this year ‘World Elder Day’ will become more significant if the government and the social welfare department provides various scheme on annapurna scheme, medical, transport and recreation centres for senior citizens and Old Age Homes.
Earlier walkathon from old MLA Hostel Junction to Red Cross Building was also observed marking the day. ‘Distinguished Senior Citizen’s Award 2010’were awarded to Mrs. Rano M. Shaiza, Ex-Member of Parliament and K. Peseyie, retired Director of School Education, Sports & Youth Services for their outstanding contribution. The programme was chaired by H.Hesso, President Nagaland Senior Citizen Forum and vote of thanks by Khevito T.Shohe, Addl. Director (SW).
International Day of Older Persons in Dmr
Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): The Department of Social Welfare Dimapur district observed the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 at DPO Office, Dimapur with Sedevikho Khro, ADC Dimapur as the chief guest.
Award was presented to three elderly persons involved in social work in different capacities. The recipients are Daisy Yaden, 84 years, wife of L. L Yaden IAS (Rtd), Chairperson of United Women Welfare Organisation, Rev. Suhovi Chophy, 87 years of Chekiye village who served as a pastor and home evangelist for 48 years and S. P Wetsah, 79 years, running Nagaland Children’s Home Diphupar since 38 years back.
A brief note on the day was given by Tulula Pongener, DPO Dimapur. R. Caroline gave a short speech on healthy living, productive living and Kheoto, Assistant Directyor Social Welfare spoke on rights of senior citizens.
DPO Dimapur in press release informed that later, a medical camp was conducted by the Rotary Club, Dimapur and distributed free medicines.
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