Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, Dharam Raj, IAS inaugurated Senior Citizen’s Home at Longleng on 24th August 2022 organized by the Good Samaritan Women Society in collaboration with Elderline, Nagaland.
In his inaugural speech, Dharam Raj congratulated the Good Samaritan Women Society for organizing and sponsoring the home for the welfare of the senior citizens of the district. Appealing to the youths to respect and honour the elders, the DC said the action of today will reflect back to when they become old. He said that the history, culture and identity are inherited from their ancestors through senior citizens and that senior citizens are the source of wisdom and knowledge.
The DC further highlighted about the policies of the Government and the facilities provided for the welfare of the senior citizens and urged them to avail the opportunity given by the Government. He also assured that the district administration is ever ready to extend their cooperation and support towards the Home.
Speaking on behalf of the Social Welfare Department, CDPO Longleng T. Longlang Kuckpan shared some of the challenges faced by the department while trying to give solutions to the problems faced by the Senior Citizens. He informed that out of 1,450 beneficiaries under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in the district, around 200 genuine beneficiaries are yet to get their pension for the year 2021 – 22 because the mode of pension payment was done through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In this regard, he requested the Deputy Commissioner to advice the Banks and Post Office to provide special provision for senior citizens to enable them to open their accounts and avail the pension payment.
President, Senior Citizen’s Forum, Longleng, P. Elung Phom spoke on behalf of the Senior Citizen’s Forum while Y.B Angam, Public Leader spoke on behalf of the Phom Community. They both extended gratitude to the Good Samaritan Women Society and the Deputy Commissioner, Longleng for bringing change and progress in the district in various sectors. Chairman, Dungkhao Village Council, Menyu Phom also spoke and assured to provide all necessary support and assistance towards the Home which falls under their jurisdiction.
Earlier, in her welcome address Kevinourheno Seyie, Good Samaritan Women Society informed the gathering about various schemes and facilities provided for the Senior Citizens and also some of the initiatives taken by the Nagaland Elderline to provide separate counter in the bank and Separate Wards in the hospital for Senior Citizens of the state. She also appealed to all the stakeholders like district administration, churches, NGOs and civil societies of the district to extend their full cooperation and support towards the Home.
The Program was chaired by Neithonou Liegise, Chairperson, Good Samaritan Women Society while. Vote of Thanks was delivered by Kevitsonuo, Connect Leader Elderline Nagaland and Dedicatory Prayer was pronounced by Pastor BBC, Rev. Mongme.
(DPRO Longleng)
