Respect, dignity of senior citizens is their rightful entitlement, not a favour: Sakeena Itoo

JAMMU : Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday remarked that respect for senior citizens is their rightful entitlement and not a favour as they have contributed immensely for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister made these remarks while felicitating senior citizens of Day Care Centre Roop Nagar Jammu during a grand function held at JKTDC Banquet Hall at TRC Jammu, to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of senior citizens towards society.
The programme was attended by Director, Social Welfare Jammu, Ranjeet Singh; Secretary, Advisory Board for Scheduled Castes; Joint Director, Poshan ICDS; Deputy Director (Administration), Social Welfare Department; Assistant Director, Social Welfare; and several other senior officers, besides a large gathering of senior citizens.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasised that respect for elders is their rightful entitlement and not a favour. She observed that senior citizens devote their lives to nurturing families, educating future generations and contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of society. She stressed that it is the collective responsibility of every individual and institution to ensure that elders receive care, respect and dignity within their homes and communities.
Reviewing the facilities available at the Day Care Centre, the Minister directed the concerned officers 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 invaluable wisdom and experience possessed by the elderly, the Minister instructed officers of the Social Welfare Department to maintain regular interaction with senior citizens, listen to their concerns and ensure timely redressal of their grievances. She further directed the department to strengthen facilitation measures for senior citizens across public institutions and service delivery mechanisms.
The Minister underscored that senior citizens have made immense contributions towards the development and progress of Jammu and Kashmir and deserve recognition, care and support at every level. She assured them of the Government’s continued commitment to addressing their concerns and enhancing welfare initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.
Earlier, President of the Day Care Centre, Roop Nagar Jammu, T.R. Sharma, and President of the Old Age Home, Jammu, Dr. Dinesh Gupta, expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Social Welfare Department for their sustained support towards the welfare of senior citizens. They also briefed the gathering about the facilities and services being provided at the Day Care Centre and the Old Age Home.