Nagaland observes International Day of Older Persons
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 1 (DIPR): The Nagaland State Government under Social Welfare Department has already drafted the State Rules for the Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens and is under the consideration of the government.
Secretary to the Social Welfare Department, Dellirose M Sakrie, while addressing the International Day of Older Persons at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on Saturday, revealed this.
Dellirose also informed that the State Old Age Pension, which started in 1981, was merged with the Central scheme- Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension and on State/Central share basis. The department is presently providing Old Age Pension to 51,750 senior citizens between the age of 60-79 and Old Age Pension to 3161 senior citizens above 80 years. Five NGOs running Old Age Homes in Kohima, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Phek and Dimapur district receive State grant in aid from time to time while separate OPDs for senior citizens are also provided in Community Health Centers in most of the districts, she added.
Dellirose said the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons is celebrated every year on October 1 to examine issues that affect their lives and more importantly, to appreciate their contributions towards the society.
Stressing on the theme ‘Take a Stand Against Ageism’, Dellirose explained that ‘ageism’ is a discrimination faced by a group of bracketed category of people who are in the age of 60 years and above.
This sort of discrimination leads to marginalization of the older person in our social setup and have negative impact on their health and wellbeing, she said and called upon all to gain a deeper understanding of the various issues faced by the aged people, who are physically, emotionally and mentally fragile to minimize and eradicate ageism.
“Life is meant to be celebrated in every stage, and the least we owe to the senior citizens is to give them the joy of living a comfortable contented life for all the years they have contributed to the society,” she exhorted.
Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) chairman, N. Theyo in his speech dwelt on the problems faced by senior citizens in the State. According to Theyo, old people faced many problems while citing instances like payment of bills for electricity, water supply, telephone etc. He also highlighted the problems encountered in banks particularly the State Bank of India (SBI) where majority of the aged draw their pensions since there is no specific counter for older persons.
In this context, the NPC chairman requested the media to approach elderly people and highlight their plight. He also suggested that youngsters ought to be taught through various forms of visuals on how to respect elders and offer helping hand when the situation demands.
On the occasion, the State Award for Senior Citizens was awarded to Rev Dr L Noksangchila, aged 89 years and Dr C Thridongse, aged 86 years for their contribution to the society. District Awards were presented to Vichu-u Zashumo and Chatuo Paphino. All senior citizens present at the programme were also felicitated by the Department. Earlier, to mark the observance of International Day of Older Persons a walkathon was organized from Directorate of Social Welfare, Raj Bhavan Road up to Zonal Council Hall. The walkathon was flagged off by Dr Toshi Ao, President, Nagaland Senior Citizen Association.
