Senior citizens day care centre inaugurated at Khliehriat

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 20, 2021

Minister of Social Welfare Department etc,Kyrmen Shylla today inaugurated the office of the FMA- Outreach for Under Privileged Women and Children, Salesian Sisters and Senior citizen Day Care Centre under the National Action Plan, Government of India. The Programme was organized in collaboration with the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District. Shri. E. Kharmalki, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Fr. Ioanis War Pakma, Parish Priest of Khliehriat, Fr. George, Maliekal, SDB were among others who  attended the inaugural programme.

Addressing on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Kyrmen Shylla, Minister of Social Welfare Department etc expressed his concern for the women and children especially those from economically disadvantage and marginalized communities as they are facing an increased risk of exploitation. He also stated that gender inequality and other discriminatory practices makes women and children vulnerable to exploitation, abuse as well as trafficking. He lauded the efforts of the FMA for taking up the project and setting up the Senior Citizen Day Care Centre to cater to the needs of the underprivileged women, children and the senior citizens of the District. 

“I hope that the outcome of this initiative will have considerable and positive influences,” the Minister said. He also stated that the Government is also looking forward in working together with the FMA especially in the upliftment of women, children and senior citizen in the district.

The Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, E Kharmalki, IAS in his speech said that the Senior Citizen Day Care Centre is the first of its kind in the state of Meghalaya.  He also said that it is the responsibility of the children to take care of their parents. “The Senior Citizen Day Care Centre should not be an encouragement for the people to leave their parents or send their parent to the Day Care Centre but it should be the last resort as it is especially meant for those senior citizens who are not being properly taken care by their children or relatives” he added.

Earlier in the programme, Sr. Halen Puwein, Secretary of FMA-OUWC in her welcome address said that the aim the programme is to help the poor families and the senior citizens of the district. She also highlighted the facilities that will be provided by the Senior Citizen Day Care Centre such as free medical checkup, counseling, recreation outing, religious and cultural programmes and vocational programmes.

Others who also spoke during the programme included DD Shira, MCS, Director of Social Welfare Department, Shillong, R Passah, District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Sr. Elizabeth  George, Provincial, Shillong Province and Sr. Wanda Nongtdu who offered the vote of thanks.