Khyomo Lotha & Margaret A Shishak honoured with state awards for senior citizens
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 1
Nagaland State today honoured its senior citizens by celebrating the International Day of Older Persons under the theme ‘Celebrating older human rights champions.’
In Kohima, the Department of Social Welfare honoured Khyomo Lotha and Margaret A Shishak with state awards for senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society.
Khyomo is a former Rajya Sabha MP (1974-1980 & 1989- 1992), while Shishak is Director of Music at Patkai Christian College.
Thepfulhouvi Solo and Neisevou Kirha were conferred with district level (Kohima) awards. Solo is a Retd Principal Secretary, Government of Nagaland while Kirha is the member of the first Naga choir (Naga Gospel Choir).
The International day of Older Persons is celebrated worldwide to bring attention to problems affecting the life of older persons, promote public awareness and focus on behavioral changes and responsibilities of people towards senior citizens, said Sarah R Ritse, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare.
Dr Kire for enhancement of old age pension scheme
Responding to a plea for enhancement of old age pension scheme, Rural Development Advisor, Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire informed that that he would take up the matter with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and convene a combined meeting with the Social Welfare, Rural Development and Food & Civil Supplies departments to work out suitable modalities for senior citizens.
He welcomed suggestions from the public towards enhancing the welfare of senior citizens. Dr. Kire also said that one should not only be satisfied with taking care of older persons at home but encourage them to exercise and engage in recreational activities.
57, 400 beneficiaries in Nagaland under old age pension scheme
Ritse meanwhile informed that Nagaland presently (2017-18) has 51, 750 beneficiaries within the 60-79 age group and 5, 650 beneficiaries above 80 years under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.
She said the Social Welfare Department is also implementing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) funded by the Ministry of Rural Development. NSAP is a social assistance programme for poor households and represents a significant step towards fulfillment of the directive principles in Article 41 & 42 of the Constitution, she said.
Mere Rs 200 & 500 monthly pension
Ritse informed that the financial assistance provided to the senior citizens include Rs 200 as monthly pension to senior citizens (60-79 years), and Rs 500 to those who are 80 years and above. Meanwhile, Nagaland Senior Citizens Association (NSCA) President, Dr S Imkong Tushi Ao informed that there are 103,000 older persons in the state.
Stating that senior citizens are sources of knowledge, experience, wisdom, vision and guide, he called upon Nagas to honour, respect and take care of the elderly.
Mezivolu T. Therieh, Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), while speaking on the theme, called for promoting full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.
She stressed on the need to think of a comprehensive plan for senior citizens to meaningfully utilize their experiences and knowledge in contributing to society, while also ensuring that social welfare benefits reach them. She suggested that the Social Welfare Department or NGOs establish a club/recreational centre for the senior citizens.
“Generally, we Nagas do not disrespect our senior citizens or elderly people but thinking of their welfare and comfort or planning their day for them seems lacking,” she said.
Therie also informed that the NSLSA works around a scheme called NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016 to ensure that senior citizens live a life of dignity and enjoy all the benefits and facilities which are due to them. Further, she urged all to strive for protecting the rights of the senior citizens.
Former Minister and Chairman, Nagaland Peace Centre, N. Theyo also spoke at the function. Social Welfare Director, T Merangtsungba Aier gave the concluding remarks.
