Awareness Session on Elderline 14567, Legal Rights of Senior Citizens, and Digital Literacy Held at Ibex Colony Hall, Leh
Leh, Ladakh – January 19, 2026
Under the banner of Elderline 14567—the National Helpline for Senior Citizens launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and implemented by HelpAge India—a one-day awareness session was successfully organized today at Ibex Colony Hall, Leh. The program focused on key topics: the services of Elderline, legal rights and protections for the elderly, and digital literacy to safeguard seniors from cyber threats.
The event commenced with a warm traditional welcome for the esteemed guests, who were honored with white scarves—a heartfelt gesture of hospitality and respect that set a tone of dignity and community spirit.
Overview of Elderline 14567
Thinlay Norboo, Program Manager, Elderline Ladakh, delivered an insightful presentation on the toll-free national helpline 14567. He highlighted its core pillars of support, designed to empower senior citizens across India, including in remote areas like Ladakh:
Information: Prompt responses to queries about government schemes and benefits for seniors.
Guidance: Assistance in navigating legal, health, and welfare services.
Field Intervention: On-ground support for cases involving rescue, abuse, or emergencies.
Emotional Support: Compassionate listening and counseling to address loneliness and isolation.
Mr. Norboo’s engaging explanation underscored how Elderline serves as a reliable lifeline, ensuring every senior citizen’s voice is heard, even in Ladakh’s challenging terrain.
Legal Rights and Protections for Senior Citizens
Advocate Nima, Deputy Chief Legal Defence Counsel, District Legal Service Authority, Leh, provided a clear and accessible overview of key legal safeguards:
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act): This landmark legislation mandates financial maintenance from children or relatives and protects seniors from exploitation, neglect, and property disputes, while promoting their welfare and dignity.
Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): A secular provision allowing magistrates to order monthly maintenance for neglected parents (as well as wives and dependent children), offering a vital safety net irrespective of religion or personal law.
His presentation transformed complex legal provisions into practical, empowering information for attendees.
Cyber-Crime Awareness and Digital Safety
Ms. Deachen Yangdol, Sub-Inspector, Cyber Crime Unit, Ladakh Police, delivered an interactive session on the growing risks of cyber fraud targeting seniors. She explained common tactics—such as phishing, impersonation, greed-based scams, and urgency ploys—and shared simple, effective preventive measures: verifying URLs, avoiding suspicious links/calls, using strong passwords, and promptly reporting incidents. The session equipped participants with practical tools to enhance their digital security.
Mr. Sonam Goba extended sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, and participants for their valuable time and contributions. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building an age-friendly Ladakh and ensuring senior citizens live with security, respect, and dignity.
The awareness session concluded on an optimistic note, with attendees expressing appreciation for the timely and relevant information shared.
For more details on Elderline services, dial the toll-free number 14567 (available daily from 8 AM to 8 PM).
About Elderline 14567
Elderline is the dedicated national helpline for senior citizens, providing information, guidance, intervention, and emotional support to promote dignified ageing.
