JAMMU: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday said that respect, care and dignity for senior citizens are their rightful entitlement and not a favour, as they have made immense contributions to society and the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
She made these remarks while felicitating senior citizens of the Day Care Centre, Roop Nagar, during a function organised at the JKTDC Banquet Hall at TRC Jammu.
The event was attended by Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Secretary Advisory Board for Scheduled Castes, senior officers of the Social Welfare Department and a large gathering of senior citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Itoo said senior citizens devote their lives to nurturing families, educating future generations and contributing to the socio-economic progress of society. She stressed that it is the collective responsibility of individuals and institutions to ensure that elders receive proper care, respect and dignity.
Reviewing facilities at the Day Care Centre, the minister directed officials to establish a well-equipped library and create dedicated recreational spaces to promote the mental, physical and social well-being of senior citizens.
Highlighting the experience and wisdom possessed by the elderly, she instructed officers of the Social Welfare Department to maintain regular interaction with senior citizens, address their concerns and ensure timely redressal of grievances. She also called for strengthening facilitation measures for senior citizens across public institutions and service delivery mechanisms.
The minister said senior citizens deserve recognition and support for their contributions to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and assured them of the government’s continued commitment to enhancing welfare initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.
Earlier, President of the Day Care Centre, Roop Nagar, T. R. Sharma, and President of the Old Age Home Jammu, Dinesh Gupta, thanked the minister and the Social Welfare Department for their support and briefed the gathering about the facilities and services being provided to senior citizens.
