Instead of confining themselves to indoors, retired employees and officials especially government employees should remain proactive and make a contribution in their personal capacity for larger good of the society, said former state chief information commissioner, G R Sufi. Presiding over a function at SP College here on Sunday to celebrate National Pensioner Day, Sufi said senior citizens such as retired employees have “a crucial role in guiding society for a better day-to-day life”. )The event was organized by Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association ( CGPWA) ( J&K). “Retired life is a new phase and one must remain active and participative even after getting retired from active service. A retired person should not remain aloof and rather continue to play a positive role in the society,” Sufi said.
Sufi said sitting idle for retired persons can be harmful and lead to various diseases. The former CIC asserted that “retirement is not end of the life for a person,”.Addressing the gathering, chief guest of the event, former chairman of J&K Public Service Commission, Muhammad Shafi Pandit highlighted that out of almost 12,000 central government pensioners here, just more than 100 are associated with the association. Pandit urged all central government pensioners’ in the state to become a part of the CGPWA.“By becoming members of the association, central government pensioners can avail several medical facilities under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). A wellness centre for such pensioners will be soon set-up in Srinagar which will play a crucial role for your well-being,” Pandit said. Pandit said it is a welcome step that CGPWA is working to ensure that facilities for pensioners are put in place at various government offices. “I believe the association has approached BSNL for separate counters for pensioners which will be quite convenient,” Pandit said.
Earlier, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, former additional director general, Doordarshan highlighted the efforts that have gone into formation of CGPWA. Vice-president, CGPWA, GN Kanth, who is a retired IAS officer, made the opening remarks at the event. Retired IPS officer, Mushtaq Sadiq, hosted the event.Dr Sobia Nisar, consultant from Government Medical College who is also a geriatric specialist spoke on challenges of old age while Dr Bashir informed the audience about importance of nutrition. Dr Showkat Malik delivered the vote of thanks. Retired IAS officer Nazir Ahmad Bhat was also present at the event.
A free medical camp for pensioners was held at the event by a team from SKIMS and Help Foundation. A blood donation camp was also organized by NGO “Baseera- The Home” and Lal Ded Hospital. Earlier Jhankaar musical group led by singer and musician Shafi Sopori enthralled the audiences.
Contributed By: Rafeeq Masoodi ,rafeeqmasoodi55@gmail.com