Observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15th June 2025

• In view of the directions of NALSA contained in email dated 6th June, 2025 regarding Observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15th June, 2025, and as directed by the Hon’ble Executive Chairperson, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (Sikkim SLSA), the Sikkim SLSA, under the aegis of NALSA observed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day under the NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016 on 15th June, 2025 at M G Marg, Gangtok.
• The event was organized in collaboration with the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyanjan Department, Finance Department (Pension Section) and Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim with mobile ambulances.
• In order to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect and exploitation faced by elderly persons and availability of free legal aid and services to such category of persons, legal aid stalls manned by Retainer Lawyer, Panel Advocates, Officers and staff members of Sikkim SLSA were set up along with stalls manned by the Officers of the aforesaid departments to enable them to avail of benefits granted by the Government. Pamphlets published by Sikkim SLSA in vernacular languages pertaining to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (Frequently Asked Questions) were distributed.
• Free Medical and Psychological Check-up was also conducted by the medical professionals deputed by the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim. A large turnout of elderly persons availed the benefits provided by the various departments, including medical services. Screening of senior citizens by the medical team was conducted and those identified with hypertension and diabetes were suggested to visit the Government Hospital for further medical follow-up. The Health & Family Welfare Department under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) assisted senior citizens to obtain health cards, more than 30 (thirty) walking sticks, were provided to the elderly by
  the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyanjan Department.
• All matters related to free legal aid, entitlements and various enactments were apprised not only to the senior citizens but also to the tourists, passersby and local public visiting the legal aid stall.
• Similar stalls were also set up in the Districts viz; Gangtok, Pakyong, Mangan,Namchi, Gyalshing and Soreng by the District Legal Services Authorities wherein the senior citizens and public at large were sensitized. They also availed the benefits provided, including medical services.