Kiyaneilie urges pensioners to contribute in development process

Principal Correspondent
Kohima, November 20

Minister for Social Welfare, Kiyaneilie Peseyie In his speech, Kiyaneilie Peseyie while expressing that retired government employee is not a spent force, today called upon them to contribute for the betterment of the society with their experience and wisdom.
Addressing the 40th Annual General Meeting of Nagaland Pensioners Association (NPA) as the Chief Guest at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima, Kiyaneilie said that pensioner are expected to play their role with wisdom for a better tomorrow as they are experienced. Stating that pensioners were in different designations and status while under different authorities of the government, bank or university, he said they had given their best part of the lives. However, he said a pensioner is not a spent force as they can still contribute to the society and the world till their last.
Dwelling on the Naga proverb ‘only the toothless cock crows to usher in the dawn of a new day’, he said even pensioners appear to be toothless, yet seasoned through experience and with wisdom of age (they) are expected to play the role for tomorrow”. In doing so, they will derive the joy of living the Old age with satisfaction, he said, adding that much has been done but again much more has to be done as the Naga society still lags behind other advanced societies of the world.
Calling upon the pensioner to contribute in the developmental process of the State, he said appealed the NPA to accept the challenges with fullest commitment for a healthy, bright and prosperous future.
Retired Director of Soil and Water Conservation, Vizonyü Angami delivering his Presidential address said that the Association has a big responsibility as authorised by the State government in March 2006 for compulsory production of ‘Drawing Card’ for genuine and bona fide pensioners.
Pointing that there are some bogus and fake pensioners mixing with the genuine pensioners in the State, he lamented that genuine pensioners are not coming forward to enroll themselves in the Association.
He said the Association has only 22,312 members whereas many hundreds of government employees retire yearly. He also encouraged that pensioners not to be a liability but they should be resource persons as retired government employees.
The programme hosted by Kohima District Pensioners Association, was compered by V. Vincent Belho while NPA General Secretary, S Daikho pronounced the invocation. Welcome address was delivered by Vizosul Neikha while special song was presented by the host Association and Dr. R. Rose Chakhesang tendered the vote of thanks.