Report on the Observance of the International Day of
Older Persons at Kyongsa
Gyalshing, December 12 2025
The International Day of Older Persons was observed with due significance at the Conference Hall, Zilla Bhawan, Kyongsa, under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. The programme was organised by the Women, Child, Senior Citizens & Divyangjan Welfare Department, Gyalshing, with the theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being, Our Rights.”
The District Collector, Gyalshing, Mr. Tenzing D. Denzongpa, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Panchayat President, Tikjuk-Kyongsa GPU, Ms. Zangmoo Bhutia, Vice President Mr. Rinchen Namgyal Bhutia, Centre Administrator, One Stop Centre (OSC), Ms. Pema Diki Bhutia, counsellors, case workers, officials of the One Stop Centre, Kyongsa, and senior citizens from the area.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Case Worker Ms. Bhawana Rai. This was followed by an awareness session on the importance of the International Day of Older Persons and the benefits available under the Protection of Senior Citizens Acts. Advocate and Case Worker Ms. Aita Hangma Limboo elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of the One Stop Centre and the Women Helpline, highlighting various facilities and schemes available for senior citizens in need. She also provided detailed information on legal aid services, tribunal procedures, domestic violence redressal mechanisms, social counselling services, and the five-bedded short-stay facility at the OSC, Kyongsa, attached to the AYUSH Hospital. The gathering was also informed about the Women Helpline Emergency Number 181 for advice, rescue and counselling.
Addressing the gathering, the District Collector expressed his deep respect for senior citizens, acknowledging them as the most experienced and valued members of society whose guidance and wisdom contribute significantly to district development. He briefed the participants on key developmental initiatives in the district, including the proposed Parking Plaza, construction of a Welcome Gate, and the establishment of an SHG Mart. He also voiced concern over the rising cases of suicide and POCSO and sought constructive suggestions from senior citizens to collectively address these social challenges. Emphasising the importance of awareness and utilisation of welfare schemes, he urged older persons to avail themselves of the facilities explained during the programme and assured all possible support from the District Administration.
As a token of love and appreciation, senior citizens Mr. Ganesh Kumar Gurung, Mr. Naksuk Bhutia, Mr. Rinchen Namgyal Bhutia, Mr. Grajaman Subedi, Mr. Namgyal Bhutia, Mr. Bijay Gurung were felicitated for their social work and valuable contributions.
Subsequently, Gender Specialist, District Hub, Mr. Prayash Thapa, briefed the participants on various social security schemes, including the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Ayushman Bharat, and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Government of India
