Birgunj, Jan. 29: Minister of State for information and communications govinda Bahadur shaha has spoken of the need to develop a tradition of respecting and providing due  care to senior citizens.

Speaking at a function organised by parsa DDC to honour the senior citizens of the district on the occasion of the international year of older persons here today, Minister of state shaha said the present government is quite alert to work for the well-being of the elders, disabled, mentally retarded people, women and children.

On the occasion, he felicitated daman das tatma, 109, of Pakaha Mainpur, Mahadaiya Devi, 100, of masiyani VDC and ramkali barain, 100, of sabaidhawa VDC by offering them rs. 2000  and a blanket each.

He also presented blankets to 140 senior citizens of the town area.

A host of speakers stressed the need to provide due respect and care to senior citizens.