Describing senior citizens role model and asset of the society, the Minister for Social Welfare Ms. Sakina Itoo, said that senior citizens were once young and strong, giving the best years of their lives to the society by working hard in contributing for the welfare of people in particular and State in general and now they need affection and due respect from the society, adding that it the responsibility of younger generations to give back to them a little bit of what they deserve.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting convened to discuss the demands and issues of senior citizens and improving the functioning of the state Level Advisory Council for Senior Citizens of the State at Banquet Hall here on Wednesday.Responding to various suggestions put forth by the senior citizens includes issuance of special card in hospitals, establishment of free help line telephone services, time bound issuance of senior citizens cards, seat reservation in public transport, concession in public services, the Minister assured that the issues will be taken up with the concerned authorities for early redressal.
Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Director Social Welfare Department, Kashmir, Director Composite Regional Center, Director Rehabilitations, Managing Director Women’s, Development Corporation, representatives J&K Pensioners Welfare Association and Senior Citizens Civil Society were present in the meetingUnderscoring the need of better healthcare policy for senior citizens, Ms. Itoo said that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities so that old age people could feel respite during ailment.Regarding employee pension, the Minister assured them that she would do her best so that all retired personnel could get their pension well in time and matter would be taken up with the higher authorities on priority.Ms. Itoo said government is keen for the dignified and honourable life of destitutes, poor under privileged class of the society by extending various facilities through the welfare schemes in vogue.
She said that senior citizens have their positions in society and can play great role for the transformation and reformation of the society, adding that there is a great need to infuse spirit of respect among younger generation for aged persons.Emphasizing for the mass awareness through print and electronic media, besides holding awareness camps Ms. Itoo, directed the Director Social Welfare to formulate moral lessons regarding care and affection for elders to be broadcasted and telecasted through radio, televisions and other channels, besides carrying the message through print media so that the people in general and youngster in particular would be educated about their responsibilities towards elders.On the occasion, the Minister gave patient hearing to the demands and suggestions raised by the representatives of senior citizens and assured them that all the genuine demands and healthy suggestions would be examined and implemented on ground so that this important section of the society feels respite and comfort.