International Day of Older Persons observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 02 2014 :
Social Welfare Department, Manipur observed the 24th International Day of Older Persons at Ima Ibema Khunthokhanbi Sanglen at DM College Gate here yesterday.
The theme of this year's 24th commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons is "Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for all." The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Older Persons is celebrated every year on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.
On the occasion, Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai said plans are afoot to raise the Indira Gandhi Old Pension amount from Rs 200 to Rs 1000 .
She said that the state Government is working hard to address the issue of inconveniences faced by beneficiaries of the pension scheme while opening their bank accounts.
Mirabai said a Senior Citizens Forum for older persons has been set up and this is now functioning in all the districts.
The minister said that with the help of the Forum all aged persons can demand their maintenance money from their children.
Mirabai said though Social Welfare is a small Government department, it is one of the imperative departments which has been taking various responsibilities for all persons until the time of their final stage of life.
MLAs O Landhoni Devi, Y Surchandra, Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) SK Dev Verman and Manipur State Commission for Women Chairperson Dr L Ibetombi were also among the dignitaries present at the event.
Meanwhile, New Age Progressive Farmers' Club, Khekman in Thoubal District also observed the 'International Day of Older Persons' at a function held at the campus of Public Library cum Information Centre, Khekman on Wednesday.
Leisangthem Zilla parishad Member Md.Abdul Latif, Pradhan of Khekman Gram Panchayat Asem Subol Singh, and Local Leader Thongam Iboyaima Singh attended the programme as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Besides observing 2-minute silence in memory of Late Thongam Iboyai Meitei, who had taken a great role in the organisation, participants offered floral tributes to his photo.
Gifts were also presented to 29 selected aged persons of Khekman area.