Elders’ blessings always priceless: Lt Governor

Srinagar, Oct 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated ‘Pensioners Sammelan’ and interacted with the Pension Beneficiaries in Srinagar, Wednesday.
In his address, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to all the senior citizens, who attended the programme. Elders’ blessings are always priceless. J&K Administration will ensure they live a happy and healthy life, he said.
“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. It is the top priority of the J&K Administration to provide universal coverage and ensure beneficiaries are treated with respect,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor lauded the entire team of District Administration Srinagar for achieving 100% saturation under the Integrated Social Security Scheme and disbursement of pension up to the month of September among the beneficiaries.
He said the Administration is committed to reaching out to all those who are needy, and 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.
He impressed on the District Officials across the UT 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, the Lt Governor said.
At Pensioners Sammelan, the Lt Governor assured all necessary support and assistance from the administration to the widow and divorcee pensioners and persons with disabilities in their self-employment ventures.
He also highlighted the efforts of the UT Government in extending universal health insurance coverage and ensuring greater security and quality life to all.
Jammu Kashmir 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 said.
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 Lt Governor 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.
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.