Many observe International Day of Older Persons
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 01 2019: Department of Social Welfare observed International Day of Older Persons at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Konung Lampak today.

The function was attended by Principal Secretary (SW/GAD/Health & Family Welfare) V Vumlunmang as the chief guest while Imphal East DC Rangitabali Waikhom as president and Imphal West DC Naorem Praveen as the guest of honour.

A total of 550 individuals, who are above the age of 60, took part in the function in which they were presented with simple gifts.

A medical/assessment camp was also organised as part of the function to provide medical assistance to the elderly.

Speaking at the function, V Vumlunmang said that about 8.5 % of the total India's population are comprised of older persons (who are above 60 years) and in case of Manipur, around 10 percent of the total population are elderly.

Many observe International Day of Older Persons

The number of elderly increases with the increase in population, he said and added that people who are above 60 years often face inconveniences when it comes to their health.

The older people require constant care and as such the International Day for Older Person has been organised to let the public know about their responsibilities towards the elderly.

With an aim to provide possible aid to the elderly, the Central and the State Governments are distributing old age pensions, he said.

However, in case of Manipur, pensions have not been properly distributed due to financial constraints, Vumlunmang added.

According to SECC data, two lakh elderly in the State are entitled to pension scheme and out of the given numbers, a total of one lakh and one thousand elderly are receiving pensions so far, with the India Govt covering pension for 56,000 elderly State Govt covering 45,000 elderly.

On the other hand, the State Government has assured to provide pension to 20,000 elderly who applied during the Go to village programmes.

He further stated that the State Government has also urged the Central Government to increase the old age pension quota, for elderly of Manipur as per the SECC data, sanctioned by the Centre.

He went on to maintain that the Social Welfare Department aims to provide pension to all elderly who does not have a source of income.

He appealed to the older persons of the Sate to take part in the Assessment Camps conducted by the department, from time to time, for those elders who are having difficulties hearing, seeing or difficulties in moving.

The assessment camp helps to record details of the elderly and their difficulties so that the department can provide necessary equipment/materials including spectacles, hearing-aid, walking stick, wheelchair, under Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY).

He went on to state that senior citizens can also receive other assistance including enrolment/correction of Aadaar.

In a separate event, Pioneer Health Club Manipur also observed World Elderly Day at Senior Citizen Home in Kongba Nongthombam Leikai.

A press release issued by general secretary of the club stated that the function was attended by vice-president of Pioneer Health Club Manipur and founder of the senior citizen home Dr Sagokpam Madhumangol were present at the function among others.

25 mothers at the home were also present in celebrating the World Elderly Day.

General secretary of the club, while speaking at the programme, talked about Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 and Integrated programme for Older Persons and other related schemes for elderly people.

Meanwhile, Dr L K Saratchandra, Professor (Medicine) RIMS provided a detail lecture on this year's theme of UN, "The Journey to Age Equality".

On the other hand, a one day observance of Senior Citizen's Day was organised by Manipur State Legal Services Authority at Old Age Home, Mongsangei, Imphal West today.

The program was attended by 40 participants.

The programme was presided by G Gaiphulshillu, Member Secretary, Manipur State Legal Services Authority and she addressed the gathering on the rights of senior citizens under the Government policies and schemes.

She further interacted with each of the senior citizens of the home to discuss the issues and problems faced by them and ways to resolve it.

Gifts were presented to the senior citizens of the home by Manipur State Legal Services Authority as a token of love and gratitude.