Senior citizens receives gift during International Day of Older Persons 2025 in Kohima on October 1. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland weeded out nearly 1,000 bogus social welfare beneficiaries in a year: Advisor
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 2
Nagaland Social Welfare Department, Advisor Wangpang Konyak on Wednesday assured that the state government is committed for better support system, improved medical facilities through Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and social assistance schemes for senior citizens in Nagaland.
“The Department of Social Welfare is committed to provide benefits to the genuine beneficiaries by already weeding all nearly 1000 bogus beneficiaries in the last one year,” Konyak said while addressing the state level observation of the International Day of Older Persons 2025-cum-25th anniversary of the Senior Citizens' Association of Nagaland (SCAN) in Kohima on October 1.
“Your rights must also be safeguarded as with a rapidly ageing population in a society like ours where respect for elders is a cherished value,” he said adding “we must ensure it translates into action-fair treatment, a voice in local governance, and protection from neglect.”
The Advisor stressed on the need s drive local action in Nagaland, “perhaps through inter-generational initiatives where youth learn from your (Senior citizens) wisdom, fostering unity and progress.”
Further, Konyak maintained that Nagaland's unique blend of traditions and resilience can be a model for the world, showing how older persons can lead change in the community.
Elderly persons expected to rise to 2.32 lakhs by 2030
Nagaland’s Social Welfare department secretary Limawabang Jamir said that there are 1, 39, 494 elderly persons in Nagaland as per 2011 census.
It constitutes 7% of the state’s total population, he said adding that as per the Nagaland Vision 2030, this number is expected to rise to 2.32 lakhs by 2030.
“This clearly underscores the need for us to make active efforts to ensure that our elderly citizens are not only cared for but also celebrated and engaged in society,” Jamir said.
He said that the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India has been working tirelessly to create an inclusive and equitable society.
“With the establishment of 12 Senior Citizens Homes across the state, funded by the Ministry and implemented by various NGOs, we are ensuring that senior citizens have a safe place where they can receive care, love, and respect,” Jamir said.
Additionally, the Department has also implementing Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) scheme under which cataract surgeries are conducted and training of geriatric caregivers is imparted, serving as essential tools to improve the quality of life for the elderly.
Awareness campaigns are also organised to ensure that society remains informed about the challenges and rights of older individuals.
Through initiatives like the IGNOAP scheme, financial assistance is provided to senior citizens from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, ensuring they have the support they need to live with dignity, Jamir said.
Later, the department presented State Senior Citizen Award to Neidonuo Angami and Rev. Dr L. Anjo Keikung for their outstanding contribution to the society.
