State chief minister Neiphiu Rio Tuesday launched a helpline – ‘Elderline14567’ for senior citizens of the State at an event held at his residential office in Kohima.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio hoped that the helpline would help the senior citizens get necessary information and timely assistance both from government agencies.
He expressed happiness that the much-needed helpline was finally launched.
In his short speech, social welfare director Michael Zaren said Nagaland had around two lakh senior citizens, out of which 51,750 between the age of 60 and 79 were covered by Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), 5,650 above the age of 80 years receive senior citizens pension and 5,970 under State non-plan received pension as well.
He claimed that, as per the directive of Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, the department was making all necessary arrangements for payment of pensions through DBT and PFMS platforms from the financial year 2021-22.
Commissioner and secretary Sarah R Ritse, who too was present, informed the gathering that after receiving directive from the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment to nominate an NGO as the implementing agency for Elderline, the department chose Good Samaritan Women Society (GSWS) after thorough examination.
He hoped that the helpline would be able to reach out to those senior citizens who were either abandoned or abused and were in need of emotional support or help in providing other important information on various schemes and provide assistance other assistance.
In her speech, Elderline programme manager Neithonuo Liegise said the objective of the project was to facilitate a happy and healthy aging for senior citizens of the country.
She said the helpline’s mission was to create a positive difference in the lives of senior citizens by creating a reliable national helpline that would serve as a platform for addressing their grievances by creating a link between them and government agencies, non-profit organizations and volunteers who work for their welfare.
Senior citizens in need of assistance in any form can call the number 14567 and speak with the executives who would be available 24×7.