Dimapur, Aug. 24 (EMN): The deputy commissioner of Longleng, Dharam Raj, inaugurated a Senior Citizen’s Home, sponsored by Good Samaritan Women Society, in Longleng on Wednesday.
Speaking at the inaugural programme organised by the Good Samaritan Women Society (GSWS), in collaboration with Elderline Nagaland, the DC congratulated the society for sponsoring the home for the welfare of senior citizens of the remote district, a DIRP report stated.
Raj appealed to the youth to respect and honour the elders.
“Our action today will reflect back to us when we are old. Our history, culture and identity are inherited from our ancestors through senior citizens. Senior citizens are the source of wisdom and knowledge therefore, we must use their advice wisely,” he said.
The DC also informed about the policies of the government and the facilities provided for the welfare of the senior citizens and urged the elders to avail such facilities. He also assured that the district administration is ever ready to extend full cooperation and support towards the Home.
Speaking on behalf of the Social Welfare Department, CDPO Longleng, T Longlang Kuckpan, shared some of the challenges faced by the department while trying to mitigate the problems faced by senior citizens.
He informed that out of 1450 beneficiaries under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in the district, around 200 genuine beneficiaries were yet to get their pension for the year 2021–22 because the mode of pension payment was done through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
In this regard, he requested the deputy commissioner to advise the banks and post office to provide special provision for senior citizens to enable them open their accounts and avail the pension payment.
The president of Senior Citizen’s Forum, Longleng, P Elung Phom, spoke on behalf of the forum, while YB Angam, a public leader, spoke on behalf of the Phom community.
They both extended gratitude to GSWS and the deputy commissioner for bringing change and progress in the district in various sectors.
The chairman of Dungkhao Village Council, Menyu Phom, who also spoke on the occasion, assured to provide all necessary support and assistance towards the Home which falls under the village jurisdiction.
Kevinourheno Seyie of Good Samaritan Women Society, in her welcome address, informed the gathering about various schemes and facilities provided for senior citizens and also some of the initiatives taken by the Nagaland Elderline to provide separate counters in the banks and separate wards in hospitals for senior citizens of the state.
She also appealed to all the stakeholders including district administration, churches, NGOs and civil societies of the district to extend full cooperation and support to the Home.
Rev. Mongme, pastor of BBC, offered dedicatory prayer and chairperson of GSWS, Neithonou Liegise, chaired the inauguration programme.