Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla said that gender inequality and other discriminatory practices make women and children vulnerable to exploitation, abuse as well as trafficking.
Shylla who inaugurated the senior citizens day care centre office of the FMA-Outreach in Khliehriat today expressed his concern that women and children, especially those from economically disadvantage and marginalized communities are facing an increased risk of exploitation.
However, the minister hoped that the efforts of the outreach would give much needed hope. “I hope that the outcome of this initiative will have considerable and positive influences,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the FMA for taking up the project and setting up the centre to cater to the needs of the underprivileged women, children and the senior citizens of the District.
Shylla also stated that the government is also looking forward in working together with the FMA especially in the upliftment of women, children and senior citizen in the district.
East Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner, E. Kharmalki, in his speech said that the centre is the first of its kind in the State. He also said that it is the responsibility of the children to take care of their parents.
“The Senior Citizen Day Care Centre should not be an encouragement for the people to leave their parents or send their parent to the day care centre but it should be the last resort as it is especially meant for those senior citizens who are not being properly taken care by their children or relatives” he added.
Secretary of the FMA, Sr. Halen Puwein said that the aim the programme is to help the poor families and the senior citizens of the district. She also highlighted the facilities that will be provided at the centre such as free medical checkup, counseling, recreation outing, religious and cultural programmes and vocational programmes.
The new office of the FMA- Outreach for Under Privileged Women and Children, Salesian Sisters and Senior citizen Day Care Centre was constructed under the National Action Plan, Government of India.
Fr. Ioanis War Pakma, Parish Priest of Khliehriat, Fr. George, Maliekal, SDB were among others who attended the inaugural programme.
