Over 44,000 Sr citizens, widows, divorcees covered in Srinagar
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that it is their duty to take care of elderly and vulnerable sections of the society and provide them social security.
Addressing ‘Pensioners Sammelan’ at SKICC here in Srinagar the LG said that it is the top priority of his Administration to provide universal coverage and ensure beneficiaries are treated with respect.
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“It is our ancient tradition, civilizational duty and ‘Sanskar’ to care for the elderly, provide them with social security and extend all support to vulnerable sections,” he added.
Sinha said the Administration is committed to reaching out to all those who are needy. He said Integrated Social Security Scheme is a demand-driven scheme without any restriction.
“More than 44,000 elderly, widows and divorcees have been covered in Srinagar and if required the benefits will be enhanced further, he added.
The LG impressed on the district officials of J&K to replicate the best practices of the Srinagar district administration and make necessary technological interventions for speedy saturation of the Social Security Schemes.
“The effective social security net to the last man in the queue will strengthen the society and improve the living conditions of urban poor and destitute,” he added.
Sinha assured all necessary support and assistance from the administration to the widow and divorcee pensioners and persons with disabilities in their self-employment ventures.
The LG highlighted the efforts of the Government in extending universal health insurance coverage and ensuring greater security and quality life to all.
He said that the J&K is the only region in the country where eligible age for widow pension is 18 years. “The administration has notified the rules of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act and also established a helpline for their proper care,” he added.
The LG expressed gratitude to all the senior citizens, who attended the programme. “Elders’ blessings are always priceless. Administration will ensure they live a happy and healthy life,” he said.
Sinha lauded the entire team of district administration Srinagar for achieving 100 percent saturation under the Integrated Social Security Scheme and disbursement of pension up to the month of September among the beneficiaries.
“Today, Panchayats in Jammu Kashmir have Senior Citizen Clubs. Apart from this, Senior Citizen Homes have been established in 13 districts and the remaining districts will be covered this year,” he added.
The LG handed over the sanction letters and medical aids to the beneficiaries and also enquired about the seamless access to the benefits under various other social welfare schemes.
“Beneficiaries shared their views on the simplified process for extension of benefits under Social Security Schemes,” he said.
Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner SMC; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officers and beneficiaries were present on the occasion.
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