Senior Citizens: The Guiding Lights of Society, Says Minister

Agartala, Oct 01, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Oct 01: At the state-level celebration of the International Day of Older Persons held at Muktadhara Auditorium, the Minister of Social Welfare and Social Education, Tinku Roy, emphasized the invaluable role of senior citizens in society. He described them as the guiding lights whose wisdom and experience benefit the community, state, and country. Minister Roy advocated for creating an environment where senior citizens are respected and cared for within their families, rather than relying on old age homes.

This year’s theme for the International Day of Older Persons is “Dignity in Ageing: Accelerating the realization of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2031”.

Minister Roy highlighted various government initiatives aimed at the welfare of senior citizens, differently-abled persons, pregnant women, and efforts to prevent child marriage. He noted that approximately 40,000 differently-abled persons in the state have been issued UDID cards, with 30,000 already receiving them.

The Minister also mentioned schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Upahar Yojana, which provide nutritional support to pregnant women.

Agartala Mayor Deepak Majumder underscored the importance of fostering cooperation and respect for senior citizens. Deputy Secretary of the Law Department, Shankha Shubhra Dutt, discussed the “Protection of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007”.

During the event, the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education honored several senior citizens with awards in categories such as “Lifetime Achievement,” “Creative Arts,” and “Courage.” Each awardee received a certificate, memento, and a cash prize of 5,000 rupees.