Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 7: A one-day seminar under the banner of the Jammu & Kashmir Senior Citizens Council was held today at K. L. Sehgal Hall, Cultural Academy, Jammu. The seminar was chaired by Mohammad Gafoor Dar, Chairman of the Council, and witnessed participation of senior citizens from all regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Kashmir Valley.
Several central body office bearers and senior leaders participated in and addressed the seminar, including Abdul Majeed Bicho, Sardar Kulwant Singh, Balwan Singh Jamwal, Mohammad Aslam Khan, and Ghulam Hussain Wani, besides district presidents, vice presidents, and chief organizers.
While addressing the gathering, Mohammad Gafoor Dar appealed to senior citizens across Jammu and Kashmir to unite under the Council's platform to strengthen the collective voice for the protection and resolution of genuine issues faced by senior citizens. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure dignity, healthcare, and social security for the elderly population.
A detailed discussion and debate were held on various issues concerning senior citizens. Prominent speakers who addressed the seminar included Mushtaq Badana, Ghulam Nabi Dhobi, Amar Singh, D. N. Raing, Sajad Mirza, Dr. Javeed Katoch, Manshoor Banihali, Aya Smeh, and D. Shamir, who highlighted social, medical, and economic challenges faced by senior citizens in the Union Territory.
Key Demands Raised During the Seminar include Enhancement of old age pension to Rs 5,000 per month, Increase in medical allowance to Rs 1,000 or more, improved healthcare facilities and dedicated transportation services for senior citizens, Establishment of Senior Citizens Clubs at the District, Tehsil, and Block levels and Provision of special healthcare facilities for senior citizens in government hospitals. |
