JOWAI, Sep 10: The office of the District Social Welfare Officer, West Jaintia Hills, on Friday organised a programme to disseminate awareness on maintenance for elderly parents.
During the programme, which focussed on ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act’, the DSWO, J Synnah, said that the Act makes it an obligation for children or heir to provide maintenance to parents or senior citizens who are unable to look after themselves. Parents and Senior Citizens Act recognises the right of the citizens to live a life of dignity, she said.
Synnah also reminded that the state government, through the office of the DSWO, provides medical treatment for women who have attained the age of 60 years and men who have attained the age of 65 years — all falling under below poverty line.
“As revealed by the population projection of India the number of senior citizens in the country will continue to grow rapidly in years to come and one of the main reasons is the improvement in healthcare. But that doesn’t mean that they are living a healthier life, they face many challenges and there is a need to provide them with economic and health needs,” the DSWO said.
Others who spoke during the programme include District Medical Officer Dr KC Ajar, president of the Synjuk Waheh Shnong, Jowai, Alan Niangti, among others.
