International Day of Older Persons observed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 01 2023:
Social Welfare director Ng Uttam said that the amount given to elderly people who are above 80 years of age under the Old Age Pension Scheme will be increased to Rs 1000 per month.
The director was speaking during observance of International Day of Older Persons organised by the social welfare department uhder the theme "Elderly Rights" at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, here, on Sunday.
The event was marked by presentation of gifts to inmates of relief camps opened in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
Delivering the presidential speech, Ng Uttam stated that the department has not been able to disburse the monthly pensions to the elderly people on a regular basis.
However, the department will make sure that old age pension amount for at least a few months is released at the earliest.
He also said that an old age home is being constructed in Imphal East.
The director further informed that Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act was framed by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide effective provision for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens.
As per this Act, the children should take good care of their par-ents/grandparents.
Parent can claim at least Rs 10,000 from their children according to their income under the Act, he explained.
While cautioning that abandoning a senior citizen at any place is a criminal offence and the culprits liable to be punished with imprisonment for three months of fined Rs 5000 or both, he appealed all to look after their parents and grandparents with love and affection.
The function was also attended by Imphal West DC Th Kirankumar and Imphal East DC Khumanthem Daina as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
Meanwhile, Share and Care, Wangkhei observed the day at Senior Citizens' Home in Kongba.