KOHIMA, OCTOBER 1 : With the objective to providing senior citizens with a level of required assistance and protection, the Social Welfare department is said to have ‘drafted rules’ for the welfare of parents and senior citizens. The rules are said to be in the consideration of the Nagaland government.
The department’s secretary, Dellirose M Sakhrie, informed of the detail at a programme marking International Day of Older Persons, in Kohima town on Saturday. The event was conducted with the theme ‘Take a stand against ageism.’
The official said that the government alone cannot ‘perform’ without active support from the community’s stakeholders. She has urged for collective responsibility from citizens to work and advocate the policies and programmes that promote the wellbeing of senior citizens. She called them 'primary stakeholders.'
The State Old Age Pension, which was started in 1981, has been merged with the central scheme Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension. At a state-central share, the department is currently providing Old Age Pension to 51,750 senior citizens who are of the age group 60-70 years, and Old Age Pension to 3, 161 citizens who are above 80 years of age.
Sakhrie informed that there were currently five nongovernmental organization-run old age homes in Kohima, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, and Phek and Dimapur district; they receive state grant-in-aid ‘from time to time.’ Separate OPDs for senior citizens are also provided at community health centers in most of the districts, she said.
Giving a brief account about the significance of the day’s event, Sakhrie pointed to a need for ‘social understanding about the issues at hand that should go beyond the paradigm of age for framing of appropriate measures, programmes, and policies.’
The official has urged citizens not to succumb to the ‘trap of ageism’ but ‘stand up against such attitudes and treat them with compassion; respect inherent human dignity regardless of age.’
Also, speaking during the occasion was N Theyo of the Senior Citizens' Forum. He said respect was something that could not be demanded from the society ‘unless we respect ourselves and make ourselves respectable.’ He urged his peers to take good care of their ‘physique,’ and engage in ‘good reading habits,’ and ‘try to keep up-to-date with the latest happenings around them.’
Highlighting some of the problems faced by senior citizens, Theyo pointed out that there were no specific counters for them when having to pay bills for electricity, water supply, telephone, and particularly at banks from where they draw pension. He has also called for youngsters to be taught about how to respect elders and offer help when situations demand.
During the programme, 89 years old Rev Dr Noksangchila and 86 years old Dr C Thridongse were awarded with the State Award for Senior Citizens for their contribution to the society. The district awards went to Vichü-ü Zashümo and Chatuo Paphino. They were awarded with a bouquet and a citation each, besides cash. The seniors at the programme were felicitated by the department.
To mark the day, a walkathon was organized; it started from the directorate of Social Welfare, through to the Raj Bhavan Road, through to the Zonal Council Hall. The event was flagged off by the president of the Nagaland Senior Citizen Association, Dr Toshi Ao.
