World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Observed at Komna; Awareness on Senior Citizens’ Rights and Welfare Schemes Highlighted

Komna: June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed with great enthusiasm at Kalyan Mandap in Komna under the aegis of the Nuapada District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The programme aimed to create awareness about the protection, dignity, and legal rights of senior citizens. The meeting was chaired by DLSA Secretary Navanita Dash. Among the distinguished guests were Komna Block Chairperson Anusaya Kumbhar, Vice-Chairperson Jayadev Pradhan, former Block Chairman Bhaktiram Sabar, senior advocate and former Government Pleader Trilok Chand Soni, senior advocate Prashant Padhi, Komna Sarpanch Mrutyunjaya Panigrahi, eminent educationist and former Principal of National College Dr. Major Ramchandra Mishra, President of Jagannath Senior Citizens’ Association Birendra Pradhan, Additional BDO Bhaktaram Budaik, and Holy Home Old Age Home Manager Bijay Kumar Padhi. Addressing the gathering, the speakers emphasized the invaluable contribution of senior citizens to society and stressed that every elderly person has the legal right to live with dignity, respect, and security. They called upon families and society at large to ensure the welfare and protection of the elderly. During the programme, detailed information was provided on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with various legal provisions and welfare schemes meant for senior citizens. Participants were also informed about government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, Madhu Babu Pension Yojana, and other social security programmes. The speakers further discussed the legal remedies available to elderly citizens to safeguard their rights. Awareness was also created regarding the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, under which free healthcare benefits are available to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. A large number of elderly persons, including inmates of Holy Home Old Age Home, Kurumpuri, Sinapali, participated in the awareness programme and gained valuable information about legal aid services and government welfare measures. The event was coordinated by Pratibha Panigrahi and other legal volunteers associated with the authority. Following the meeting, the DLSA organized a plastic waste clean-up drive during which more than 130 kilograms of plastic waste was collected and removed. Participants also took a pledge to make Nuapada district clean and plastic-free.