Sentiyanger Imchen, Limawabang Jamir and Tosheli Zhimomi with recipients of the State Senior Citizen Award 2026 in Kohima on October 1. (Morung Photo)
Over 63,300 senior citizens receiving assistance in Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 1
Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen today said that the Social Welfare Department has taken up in earnest the issue of identifying bogus and non-eligible beneficiaries under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) in close cooperation with the State treasuries.
“This will enable the department to cover those deserving cases who are yet to be covered under the scheme,” Imchen said, and requested the public to cooperate with the government in this exercise.
While policies and schemes are important, the Department should ensure that the schemes are properly implemented on the ground by plugging loopholes, bridging gaps and expanding outreach, he said.
Imchen said that more than 63,300 senior citizens in Nagaland are currently receiving financial assistance through IGNOAPS under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and State-supported pension initiatives.
He said the State’s Social Welfare Department and its partners have been strengthening healthcare support for senior citizens through health camps, cataract surgeries and other targeted interventions. Imchen was addressing the state-level observance of International Day of Older Persons in Kohima on October 1 under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, eligible senior citizens from BPL families are provided assistive and mobility devices.
The State government is also strengthening Geriatric Caregiver training in partnership with CIHSR, Dimapur, and other expert training partners.
“This will improve professional care for our elders while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for our youth,” the Chief Secretary said.
The Government is supporting 12 Senior Citizen Homes under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), which offer safe, healthy and engaging environments where elders find companionship, recreational activities and medical supervision.
He said that the Senior Citizens Helpline – 14567, a toll-free national helpline for senior citizens in India, has been launched in Nagaland. It provides information and guidance on pensions, government schemes and elder-care services, as well as assistance in situations of distress, vulnerability or abuse.
‘Address the issues of elderly in all seriousness’
Imchen said families, communities, churches, the government and society as a whole have to give serious thought to the issue and put in place structures to provide for the needs of the elderly.
He told elderly persons that retirement from a job, business or economic activity should not necessarily mean withdrawal from a productive and meaningful life.
“This can be done by being physically active, staying fit and health-conscious and actively participating in the community,” he said.
“In Naga society, our elders have always held a special place of respect,” he said, adding, “We have traditionally looked up to them not simply because they are older, but because of their experience and the accumulated wisdom of generations.”
He said that the India Ageing Report 2023, published by UNFPA in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences, estimates that India had approximately 149 million people aged 60 years and above in 2022.
By 2050, the number is projected to increase to approximately 347 million. This means that society has to analyse, understand and address the issues of the elderly in all seriousness, he said.
Building age-friendly infrastructure
Limawabang Jamir, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, said that the International Day of Older Persons is dedicated to honouring the lifelong contributions of senior citizens, celebrating their resilience, and reaffirming the collective commitment to their dignity, rights and well-being.
Since October 1, 1991, the day has been observed globally, reminding governments, communities and families that population ageing is not merely a challenge to be managed, but a profound demographic triumph—a testament to advancements in public health, nutrition and medicine.
It also serves as a sharp reminder that longer lives must be matched with a higher quality of life, robust safety nets and unwavering human rights, he said.
“Today, since people are living healthier and longer lives, we must fundamentally rethink our systems. Our collective focus should shift towards transforming healthcare and care systems, revisiting workplaces and lifelong learning, building age-friendly infrastructure and communities, and combating ageism while protecting rights,” Jamir said.
State Senior Citizen Award 2026
The Social Welfare Department has conferred the State Senior Citizen Award 2026 on Prof Alongla P Aier, a distinguished educationist, theologian, social worker and advocate for the empowerment of women and girls in Nagaland, and Dr LM Murry, a distinguished medical professional whose life has been dedicated to medical services, humanitarian work, community welfare and Christian ministry.
After the introduction made by Akali Sema, Assistant Director, the Chief Secretary handed over certificates and cash to the two awardees.
Later, Imchatemsu, Tumohio, Zevolhoulie Terhase, Diezelie Terhase, Zakievi Terhase, Suwala, Wetezou Chirhah, Lhikoweu Chirhah and Pezano Chasie displayed woodcraft, traditional jewellery and Naga raincoat products at the exhibition stall.
The programme was also marked by a health camp for elderly persons.
The programme was chaired by Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, Social Welfare, while the vote of thanks was proposed by K. Wango Langsym, Deputy Director.
