Dimapur, June 24 (EMN): The Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) in collaboration with the Office of the District Welfare Officer organised legal awareness for senior citizens at Old Riphyim Community hall on June 23.
Speaking on NALSA scheme 2016, Meribemo Lotha, Panel Lawyer WDLSA said that senior citizens are considered to be the protector of the society because of their vast experience and knowledge. He lamented that however, they are subjected to social, physical, mental and economical abuse by their own family members.
He appraised that the NALSA scheme has been implemented by legal services to assist the senior citizen about their entitlements under various laws and government schemes.
Highlighting that a secular law which applies across all religion and section of the society under sec 125 to 128 Crpc for maintenance and welfare of the senior citizen. He further said that the section enables the father or mother, who is unable to maintain himself or herself to claim maintenance from their sons or daughters if they refuse or neglect to maintain their parents.
Informing about the old age pension scheme, Nribemo Shitiri, senior HA and Zubemo Jami, Senior Welfare Inspector, Social Welfare department told that as per the scheme every eligible senior citizens are entitled for the benefit. However, they said due to constrain of funds from the government many beneficiaries could not avail the benefits from the scheme.
They informed that June 30 is the last date for submissions of bank account number by the beneficiaries. In this regard, beneficiaries are requested to submit the same. Speaking on role and activities of WDLSA, Retainer Lawyer Gracy Ezung, informed that the legal services authority provides justice to the poor, illiterate, downtrodden and weaker section of the society. She said that the WDLSA such assistance are provided free of cost.
