Shillong, Dec 13: The National Helpline for Senior Citizens or the Elder Line toll free number was inaugurated for Meghalaya on Monday at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Social Welfare, Shillong.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister in-charge of Social Welfare Kyrmen Shylla said the helpline will be operational from 8 am to 8 pm everyday in the toll free number- 14567. The helpline will provide assistance to the Elderly or the Senior Citizens above 60 years of age, ranging from emergency or non emergency assistance.
The helpline has been initiated and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and employment, Government of India – Senior citizens division.
By dialing a toll free number – 14567, senior citizens across the State can now access information on health care, elder friendly products, old age and shelter homes. Through the Helpline guidance on pension related issues, Maintenance Act and legal issues will also be provided.
“Tribal community has always taken pride in the values of upholding the values related to the care and treatment of the elderly people. The elderly people have always been treated with great respect because of their knowledge, experience and struggle they have been through” said Shylla in his speech.
“But sadly, the Elderly citizens are not getting the desirable support, care and treatment they deserve… therefore, both the Central and State government have come up with different initiatives and schemes for the welfare of the senior citizens,” added Shylla.
“The Meghalaya Govt has come up with various initiatives — State Government has funded financial aids for NGOs to run Old Age Homes for the elderly citizens in Shillong, Day-Care centers at Garo Hills, the Chief Minister’s Social Assistant Scheme which provides direct financial aid to 63,102 citizens above 60 years old, with aid of Rs. 500 per month. The government is also providing various other schemes or programs for the elderly through the Health Department community,” further informed the Minister.
