Dimapur, March 28 (EMN): K Wango Lanysym, assistant director, Social Welfare department, on Monday informed that out of 57,400 old age pensioners in the state, only about 6000 have Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) due to lack of account number and urged the banks to reach out to senior citizens in the villages.
He was speaking at the inauguration programme of a senior citizens lobby at State Bank of India (SBI), Kohima branch, which was inaugurated by Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, a press release informed.
Dr. Kire said that it is a duty to respect senior citizens and expressed his happiness to SBI and Elder Line (EL) for initiating this facility.
Neithonuo Liegise, programme manager, EL Nagaland thanked the Social Welfare department for choosing Good Samaritan Women Society (GSWS) to be the implementing agency of EL in the state. She also thanked Besü Bosco for willingly accepting their proposal and creating a separate counter with elder-friendly facilities, setting an example to other banks as well.
She stated that EL is rendering dedicated service for senior citizens in acknowledgement of their contributions to the society and families and called upon the Health department to create Geriatric ward for senior citizens, it said.
Dr. Khanlo Magh, president, Senior Citizens’ Association Nagaland (SCAN) expressed his gratitude to SBI and EL for providing the much needed facility.
The programme was attended by SCAN, EL Nagaland, Social Welfare department, directorate of Sainik Welfare, Resettlement and GSWS. A brochure to guide the pensioners was also released by SBI on the occasion.