File image of Varnali Deka, deputy commissioner of Goalpara. Image courtesy: Youtube

In yet another innovative initiative by the district administration of Assam’s Goalpara, a campaign for the elderly people titled ‘ Mission Goalpara Cares’ has been launched to reach out them during COVID-19 lockdown.

“It is our responsibility to look after the most vulnerable section of the society, the senior citizens. Thus, we have initiated this programme to take special care of them,” remarked Varnali Deka, deputy commissioner.

Under this campaign, a team of volunteers comprising teachers and college students created and assigned the task of making phone calls to all the elderly people.

The team enquires about their physical and mental issues and the need of any assistance from the administration.

The feedback is immediately shared with the administration.

“We are also getting in touch with the DIET and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) to develop volunteers to serve our virtual platforms. Besides, action plan is being prepared to involve ICDS supervisors and members in this campaign’, added the deputy commissioner.

The team has already reached 120 elders, provided them necessary services besides making them aware about the dreaded coronavirus.