Kohima: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio launched the senior citizens national helpline “Elderline-14567 Nagaland” on September 28 evening at the Chief Minister’s Residential hall.
The Ministry of Social Justice GoI has initiated the” Elderline-14567 toll free helpline for the elderly persons to address the problems of elders during the Covid pandemic. The Good Samaritan Women Society, Kohima is the implementing agent in the state. The office has been set up at CK Arcade, opposite to Kohima head office.Â
Launching the senior citizen helpline, the chief minister hoped that toll free Elderline – 14567 will benefit the senior citizens both from the state and centre immensely.Â
Rio emphasized on the need to help and care for the elderly people. The launch of Elderline would give opportunities to senior citizens to share their grievances and accordingly, their grievances would be addressed.
Neithonuo Liegise, Program Manager of Elderline said their mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of senior citizens by creating a reliable national helpline which acts as a platform for redressing the grievances of the senior citizens of India, by providing necessary information and intervention through collective partners.
Director of Social Welfare, Michael Zaren informed that Nagaland has over two lakh senior citizens, out of which 51,750 under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) are in 60-79 age category and 5,650 above 80 years of age.
He also said 5,970 beneficiaries under state non-plan receive pension.
The director also informed that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is planning to set up senior citizen homes in all the districts under the National Action Plan for senior citizens.
Sarah R Ritse, Commissioner and Secretary to the government of Nagaland expressed confidence that the helpline would reach out to the vulnerable elderly people by providing emotional support and necessary information on various schemes and assistance.
She also assured that the department will extend all possible help and work closely for the smooth operation of the helpline.