Kohima, 1st October 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland must strengthen its healthcare, social security and support systems to ensure that longer lives are healthy, dignified, secure and meaningful, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, said on Thursday.
Addressing the State-level observation of the International Day of Older Persons 2026 at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima, Imchen said increasing longevity was changing family and community structures and creating new challenges for healthcare and social security systems.
The programme, organised by the Department of Social Welfare, was held under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Citing the India Ageing Report 2023 by UNFPA and the International Institute for Population Sciences, the Chief Secretary said India had approximately 149 million people aged 60 and above in 2022, with the number projected to reach around 347 million by 2050. He said the changing demographic situation required greater attention to the needs and rights of older persons.
Highlighting government initiatives, Imchen said more than 63,300 senior citizens were receiving assistance through the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), under the National Social Assistance Programme and State-supported pension initiatives.
He also highlighted health camps, cataract surgeries and other interventions, besides assistive and mobility devices provided to eligible BPL senior citizens under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana. Geriatric caregiver training is also being strengthened in partnership with the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, and other training partners.
The Government, he said, supports 12 Senior Citizen Homes under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), providing senior citizens with safe accommodation, companionship, recreational activities and medical supervision.
Imchen stressed that effective implementation was as important as government policies and called for gaps to be bridged and outreach expanded. He appreciated the ongoing identification of bogus and ineligible beneficiaries under IGNOAPS in coordination with State treasuries and appealed for public cooperation to ensure that benefits reach deserving senior citizens.
He also called for families, communities, churches and government to find ways of preserving Nagaland’s traditional culture of caring for elders amid changing lifestyles, migration and increasingly dispersed families.
The Chief Secretary said retirement should not mean withdrawal from a productive life and encouraged senior citizens to remain active and engaged in their communities.
Secretary, Social Welfare, Limawabang Jamir, IAS, called for stronger healthcare systems, age-friendly workplaces, lifelong learning opportunities and improved accessibility to ensure quality of life and protection of the rights of older persons.
The programme featured State Awards to educationist and social worker Prof. Alongla P. Aier and medical professional Dr. L.M. Murry. Handicrafts by senior citizens, inter-generational activities and a free medical camp were also organised.
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