Imphal, 17th June, 2017(DIPR): Social Welfare Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen assured every possible help and welfare schemes and benefits for the old age section of the society as she felt they are the most neglected ones. She also announced that Old Age Home will soon be built in Tuibuong, Churachandpur. This was stated by the Minister while speaking as a Chief Guest on the 4th Anniversary of The Kuki Senior Citizens’ Welfare Forum (KSCWF), Churachandpur today at Saikholal Ideal School Campus, Canan Veng, Tuibuong.
While addressing the gatherings, the Minister highlighted the various centrally sponsored schemes especially meant for old age people and said that she will take the initiative to reach all such schemes to all of them. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) that covers 80 years and above with a pension amount of Rs.200 will soon be proposed to increase to Rs 400, she added.
So far, she expressed of receiving lots of complaints regarding uneven distribution of old age pensions in the state and have strongly instructed the department officials to look into the matter and take necessary actions at the earliest.
Minister Nemcha is also aware of many cases where old age pension cards are with the agents and not with the pensioners. She felt such action is really uncalled for and have instructed the department officials to directly hand over the cards to the pensioners under the supervision of District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO). She expressed how an old age pension has been successfully implemented in her constituency, Kangpokpi A/C as the DSWO tied up with the respective communities of the block within the constituencies and delivered the pensions to the pensioners in their own home. She is optimistic that in the near future all the districts will follow the same as in her constituency regarding old age pension.
The Minister instructed the concerned DCs and related department officers to distribute the pension where the old aged people can reach and access easily. She also urged all the MLAs to be present during the distribution of old age pension to the pensioners.
For those who haven’t received the pension are requested to bring to her notice and assured of possible assistance from her end. Nemcha further stated that those officials involved in mal practices in regard with the old age pension will immediately be suspended.
The Minister also brings to the notice of all not to manipulate their age just for receiving old age benefits as such acts hinders the probable people from getting the benefits. To avoid such misappropriation, the issuing officers are instructed to cross verify the beneficiaries’ Aadhar card and Voters card while issuing old age pension.
She feels that as a responsible citizen, our sole aim should be to work for the welfare of the people and it is our duty to uplift the society towards inclusive development, she added.
Social Welfare Minister lauded the initiative of KSCWF for voluntarily taking up various welfare programmes for the aged group and being an important role as a guardian of the society. She hoped and wished for the welfare of the forum to flourish in all their endeavours. She also extends deep gratitude to the forum for giving an opportunity to be a part of such auspicious event.
The function was also attended by DC, Churachandpur Shri Shyam Lal Poonia, IAS, Hon’ble Chairman, ADC Churachandpur Shri Khaipao Haokip, DSWO Smt A. Umarani Devi as Special Guest, President and Host of Honour respectively. (DIPR)
[ecwid widgets=”productbrowser search minicart” categories_per_row=”4″ grid=”10,3″ list=”60″ table=”60″ default_category_id=”21294227″ category_view=”list” search_view=”list” minicart_layout=”MiniAttachToProductBrowser”]
