Elderline Nagaland: Implementing agency passes baton to Social Welfare dept.

DIMAPUR — The taking over of charge of the National Helpline for Senior Citizens, Nagaland (Elderline Nagaland) from the Good Samaritan Women Society (the implementing agency) by the Department of Social Welfare took place in the office of the National Helpline for Senior Citizens, Nagaland, in Kohima on June 3.

Speaking on the occasion, Neithonuo Leigise, chairman of the Good Samaritan Women Society, expressed her gratitude to the department for assisting the society in the implementation of Elderline Nagaland since its inception.

She mentioned that with the signing of the MoU, the department and the implementing agency had expeditiously set up the office and recruited employees to operate the helpline (14567) in the state.

She also outlined various initiatives, including the proposal for senior citizens’ bus fare concessions by the Nagaland State Transport Department, which was later approved.

Other proposals involved establishing a dedicated ticket counter at the Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima, creating geriatric wards in government hospitals for them, and approaching SBI Kohima Branch to consider opening a dedicated counter for senior citizens equipped with elderly-friendly amenities.

Martha R Ritse, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, expressed gratitude to the implementing agency for their past efforts and achievements. She encouraged the department to focus on sensitising people more about the scheme at the grassroots level so that elderly people can easily access assistance to address their grievances.

Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, Department of Social Welfare, expressed gratitude in her brief speech to the Good Samaritan Women Society for their management of Elderline Nagaland for three years (2021–24), despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic and irregularities in the flow of funds.

She maintained that the department would seek the assistance of the Good Samaritan Women Society in the implementation of the scheme since they have the knowledge and experience.

The programme was attended by senior officers from the department, members of the Senior Citizens Association of Nagaland and members of the Good Samaritan Women Society.