Srinagar, Oct 26 — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured the senior citizens of Jammu and Kashmir that the administration is committed to ensuring they live a happy and healthy life. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Pensioners Sammelan’ in Srinagar, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing the priceless value of elders’ blessings.
Sinha highlighted the ancient tradition and civilizational duty of caring for the elderly, providing them with social security, and supporting vulnerable sections. He reiterated that it is a top priority of the J&K Administration to provide universal coverage and ensure beneficiaries are treated with respect.
The Lt Governor commended the District Administration Srinagar for achieving 100% saturation under the Integrated Social Security Scheme and disbursement of pension up to September among the beneficiaries. He praised the commitment to reaching out to all those in need and assured necessary support.
With over 44,000 elderly, widows, and divorcees covered in Srinagar, Sinha mentioned the possibility of further enhancing benefits if required. He urged other District Officials to replicate the best practices and implement technological interventions for the speedy saturation of social security schemes.
The administration’s goal is to provide an effective social security net to the last person in the queue, strengthening society and improving the living conditions of urban poor and destitute, the Lt Governor emphasized.
At the Pensioners Sammelan, Sinha assured necessary support and assistance for self-employment ventures of widow and divorced pensioners and persons with disabilities. He highlighted the efforts of the Government in extending universal health insurance coverage and ensuring greater security and quality of life for all.
Jammu and Kashmir stand out as the only region in the country where the eligible age for widow pension is 18 years. The administration has notified the rules of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act and established a helpline for their proper care, Sinha concluded.
