Nagaland needs support system in place for elderly, says Social Welfare department official

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Oct. 1 (EMN): An elderly person’s presence is considered a blessing in Naga society and old age is synonymous with qualities like wisdom, knowledge and maturity besides holding a special place of respect and honour, said Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare department, Martha R Ritse, on Saturday.

She was speaking at a programme commemorating International Day of Older Persons organised by the department of Social Welfare at Highland Park, near IG Stadium, in Kohima.

As per the 2011 census, the elderly population in Nagaland stands at 1, 39, 494 (1.39 lakh) or roughly around 7% of the total population of the state, and this proportion is expected to remain constant over the next 15 years, said the official. 

The Nagaland Vision 2030 stated that the number of old age people will increase to approximately 2.23 lakh by 2030, she said, adding that the increase in life expectancy of older people makes it more important for the state to have a support system in place.

In this regard, she said the department of Social Welfare has social security benefits in place for the aged and vulnerable through various national social assistance programmes.

Sharing insights on the theme of the occasion “The resilience and contributions of older women”, Ritse said it to celebrate the life of well-deserved older women who have greatly contributed to the society, withstanding the challenging environment with resilience and defying the odds.

She said the theme serves as a reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude.

“Recognising the vital contributions of older women and promoting the inclusion of their voices, perspective and needs are critical to creating meaningful policies to enhance a holistic response to local, national and global challenges and catastrophe,” said Ritse.

‘Nagaland in its current state does see women in a variety of occupations and professions that have been instrumental in bringing about many changes in the society, wherein there have been many older women who have served and contributed to the society in various capacities even after their retirement,’ she said, citing Dr. Temsula Ao and Padma Shree P Kilemsungla.

Advisor of Social Welfare, Home Guards and Civil Defence (HG & CD), Noke Wangnao, who was the special guest of the occasion, highlighted the initiatives taken up by the state government like introduction of old age pension and pension for legislators and parliamentarians during the 1990s under the then chief minister Vamuzo Phesao.

He added that the state government is working for the welfare of the senior citizens.

Senior Citizens’ Award recipients

On the occasion, the state-level senior citizens’ award was given to 75-year-old Dr. Joyce Zinyu Angami and 86-year-old Prof. Talitsuba Alinger.

Kohima district senior citizens’ award was conferred to 82-year-old Vitole Sothu from Viswema village and 81-year-old Vizosul Luho from Khuzama village.

Director of Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi delivered the welcome address and Additional Director of Social Welfare, Nokcharenla Longchar proposed the vote of thanks.