An awareness programme on maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens was organised by the office of the West Jaiñtia Hills District Social Welfare Officer at the district library auditorium in Jowai today.
District Social Welfare Officer, West Jaiñtia Hills J Synnah in her introductory speech informed about the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 that makes it an obligation for children or heir to provide maintenance to parents or senior citizens who are unable to look after themselves.
Pointing out that as per the Population projection of India, the number of senior citizens in the country will continue to grow rapidly in years to come and one of the main reasons is the improvement in health care, Synnah said they face many challenges and there is a need to provide them with economic and health needs.
She also reminded that the state Government through the office of the DSWO provides medical treatment and financial treatment for those who have attained the age of 60 years for women and 65 years for men who fall under below poverty line at an amount of Rs. 2200 per person per year.
Rtd. Deputy Director, Social Welfare K. Lamar highlighted the objective and aims of the scheme, she said the main objective of the scheme is to improve the quality life of the elderly persons and provide them with better facilities in taking care of the basic needs like shelter, food, health care etc. She encouraged the active NGOs to come forward and open day care facilities in the district to help the elderly persons. The scheme will also help parents and Senior citizens from being abandoned by their children
District Medical Officer, Jowai Dr. K.C Ajar informed that under the National Programme for Health Care of elderly, dedicated health care facilities are being provided to the senior citizens.
He advised the caregiver at home, especially when taking care of the elderly persons to first take care of themselves and follow the COVID-19 protocols to protect themselves and others.
President of the Synjuk Waheh Shnong, Jowai Alan Niangti spoke on the roles and responsibilities of the dorbar shnongs and the society towards the welfare of senior citizens.
