14th National Conference - AISCCON - Udaipur - Feb 2015

14th  National Conference of All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON  ) is scheduled to be held at UDAIPUR on 21-22 Feb  2015. It is being hosted by Maharana Pratap Varistha Nagrik Sansthan, Udaipur, Rajasthan.The Theme of the conference is--HOLISTIC LIVING OF SENIOR CITIZENS: CHALLENGES AND WAY OUT. The registration form, Circular-1 and Souvenir advertisement appeal is attached. Pl note that there is an attractive rebate for members opting registration up to 30/10/2014 For further assistance, pl contact Sri A K Malhotra – 09044138664 or Satpal Singh--09839043458

Attachments may be downloaded from here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4BttVWmJL3KbmlvSm9oaTBIU1hJTUl3Q1Y4cEpFSkkxSmxN/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4BttVWmJL3KekI3ZkNKZHpqSUdTaWhtQ2lKNlZtUVpZaVBJ/view?usp=sharing


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4BttVWmJL3KLWdlVG9wUjVKeGJDVkhsZ1huN3RkSERqZGdn/view?usp=sharing

List of Coming Events up to Dec 2014

 20/march /2014

A note on Important aspects of the International conference on “Elder Dignity and Abuse” prepared by Dr. Sugan Bhatia

I wish to commend the very meaningful efforts of Dr. Jacob John Kattakayam, Dr. PKB Nayar and their very efficient and committed colleagues at the Centre for Gerontological Studies at Thiruvananthpuram for organizing a highly stimulating International Conference on Elder Dignity and Abuse on March 14-16, 2014. I am sharing this e-mail with you also in the belief that some of our colleagues in AISCCON – Shri DN Chapke, Shri Sugan Bhatia, Shri Haneefa Rawther, Shri Vyasamoorthy, and many friends from Thiruvananthpuram Senior Citizens’ movement – were part of this International Conference.

Dr. Jacob John Kattakayam and Dr. PKB Nayar have earned gratitude of many scholars and activists by combining, for the first time in India, the concerns of Elder Dignity and Elder Abuse as the theme of the International Conference thus giving an opportunity to participants to place elders in a positivist framework while discussing the challenges that they face in their lives. I believe that the sponsors have earned equal degree of commendation for  supporting such a thoughtful combination of concerns in the International Conference. Both the Kerala Government and the UNFPA lent their support to this effort.

Dr. Jacob John Kattakayam and Dr. PKB Nayar widened the scope of interacting scholarship in the International Conference by bringing together many distinguished and promising scholars from the field of Sociology, apart from the community of scholars and activists from the field of Psychology, Demographers, Medicine and the Senior Citizens’ movement. The concerned community of scholars in the area of ageing appears to be growing both in India and in the Asian region. The delegates from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan brought in their cultural perspectives to this rapidly maturing field of scholarship. One can only hope that the active association and support of political and development management elites will continue to influence the policy and progamme environment both in India and in the Asian countries. The very meaningful participation of the corporate sector – through a stimulating paper from the Managing Director of the Malabar Cements – brought in a much-awaited partner in the effort.

The subject of elder dignity should receive significant support from measures that help enhance individual resilience to combatting any assaults on the elderly both through psychological, and tactical efforts gained through networking with individuals and organizations in their proximity, as also through entitlements facilitated by governance mechanisms instituted at the local, community, region and national efforts in each South Asian country. Senior Citizens look forward to a period when entitlements like Health, Shelter Pensions, and Food will be upgraded to the status of Fundamental Rights; the Supreme Court of India support for such provisions, for example, has supported the urgency of such an action on the part of any government in power.

Elder Dignity should also receive conscious effort at the level of the Family to create an enabling environment for senior citizens to live in such environments with their existence duly recognized. The essential steps to such support should be seen in terms of measures that help enhanceself-esteem – e.g. active participation in family life, promoting self-dependence, encouraging control of their own resources, generosity of the other family members in being tolerant and patient towards their somewhat slow movements, etc   At the same time, the elders also need to tone down the volume of complaints, if any, and allowing other members of their families to enjoy their own lives. The family could encourage, for example, larger networking efforts for the senior citizens with their peer group both in family and community environments.

The next in line of the supporting environments are a series of actions at the level of the Institutions – e.g. Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, Respite Care Centres, Local Markets as friendly interacting agents with the senior citizens, elder friendly public spaces, health and other functionaries at the grassroots level, media, police authorities with their commitment to community policing, corporate sector with their support to innovative and caring projects for the senior citizens, etc.

While the immediate and larger community should continue to create enabling and supporting environments for the senior citizens, elderly dignity will be enhanced, and consequently elderly abuse minimized, by pro-active engagement of the elderly themselves through both self-guarding strategies and through active engagement in the market in the area of financial transactions. The muted practice of gerontocide in some communities served as an eye-opener in the international conference. Special sensitivities need to be built in for providing support to those segments of the elderly population particularly among the elderly widows, differently abled and the transgender community.

It was good to hear voices in support of larger companionship and life-partner-search arrangements mounted by some senior citizens’ supporters. However, an issue that needs wider debate in the country and the South Asian region is the question of mandatory reporting of elder abuse at the individual, family and community levels. In a cultural climate that supports largely oral culture transactions, more so in the South Asian Community, written culture arrangements, such as the ones represented by the Police and Law Enforcement Authorities, could target the poorer segments and penalize them heavily; the fear of the institution of family could be under tremendous pressure under such environments. One should consider, instead, the rapidly emerging enabling legal provision of Conciliation and Counselling at the family, clan and community level to achieve the goal of reducing elder abuse.

Sugan Bhatia

98112 25103

                                                                                                    auther prabhakar chhatre

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 20/march /2014

     

Letter to National Political Parties

                                                                                                5^th March, 2014

Hon’ble Shri Rajnath Singh

President

Bharatiya Janata Party, India

Sub : Request to include Senior Citizens’ as a Constituency

          in your Political Manifesto –

Sir,

India has nearly 10 per cent population of Senior Citizens in its more than 121 crore of total population. All of them constitute active voters insofar as they are the most regular and first at the post of the voting constituents at the time of any election. They thus represent a class of voters who participate in the democratic process most actively and diligently. Most of them are aware of the significance that various political parties attach to the development concerns of the country in general and of the senior citizens in particular.

All India Senior Citizens’ Confederation takes this opportunity to appreciate your efforts at being a very strong advocate for the cause of the senior citizens’ movement all over the country. We are deeply conscious of

the very meaningful role that you play in sensitizing the community and influencing public opinion in being the voice of senior citizens. You have promoted greater empathy in the Indian family about the need to take all steps to facilitate inter-generational solidarity and bonding within the family, encourage the family to strengthen practices that facilitate ageing-in-place, and share some very meaningful roles for the senior citizen members in their families.

All India Senior Citizens’ Confederation would like you to articulate strong commitment to the following priority areas in the senior citizens movement in India:

(i)              integrate a “rights perspective” outlined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India detailing the Right to Life (through Amendment to the Constitution of India as Article 21-B) with dignity to the challenges concerning the senior citizens along with the “welfare perspective” outlined in Article 41 of the Constitution of India. This is

in consonance with various Supreme Court judgements that have enunciated a rights perspective in regard to right to health, shelter and pensions. The rights perspective is also part of our commitment to various International Conventions, Covenants and Declarations to which India is a signatory and hence a party to such commitments and resolve.

(ii)           promote a National Policy on Senior Citizens and respective State level Policy on Senior Citizens in the spirit of our Federal Constitution with the Central Policy promoting Leadership in Ideas, Personnel and Programmes and the State Policies promoting a policy framework unique to the population of each State and providing for all services through liberal Central Grants and through their own resources.

(iii)      strengthen the formation and growth of senior citizens’ organizations in tribal, rural and urban areas, both for female and male senior citizens. We believe that assumption of group identity by senior citizens in all places helps to project their common challenges in personal, family, community, regional and national life.                                                                                                                      

(iv)     support need for physical and social infrastructure for senior citizens in their own homes, habitats in the community and in the local worshipping places, markets and other places that they frequent during their daily life. They thus need home modification practices within the family home to make the bathroom safe, the bedroom comfortable and the dining room/family courtyard hospitable to their presence. They want public places that they most commonly frequent age-friendly with minimum or no barriers; they want places in public entertainment to create some space which is a little less noisy and permitting peer group and inter-generational dialogue. They also want Senior Citizens’ Associations and Residents’ Welfare Association to work for their health, well-being and safety and security.

(v)     discourage dispossession, destitution and abandonment of senior citizens in the name of religion, belief in phases of life that lead to abandonment, or forced shelter in Old Age Homes and Senior Citizens’ Ashrams. If the Indian Family needs support in the form of Geriatric Education and Awareness, social protection in the form of Pensions linked to cost-of-living with a minimum of Rs. 2,000/- per month, tax free  Pension to employees in the organised sector, facilitated diagnosis of their health problems at the Day Care Centres, organized facilities for diagnosis and treatment of Dementia/Alzheimer’s at the Day Care Centres, Respite Care at the Day Care Centres, full and part subsidy in group health care insurance, enhanced concessions in taxation policies, reverse mortgage facilities to those owning any kind of property, their organized Associations, the Corporate Sector and the State Agencies, both in the State Governments and the Central Government should find resources to support such programmes. The senior citizens who face destitution and abandonment, particularly women abandoned by their own husbands and other family members and left alone to carry the responsibility of nurturing their families, deserve support from the community, the corporate sector and the various Government Agencies to provide adequate shelter and survival with dignity facilities.

(vi)        introduce universal introduction of the National Programme of Health Care for the Elderly (NPHCE) so as to overcome the inability of the General Health Care Programme in the public sector to take care of the health needs of the older population. We all would like to see an early introduction and implementation of the Home Health Care facility to senior citizens who cannot access the local dispensary, clinic or hospital; we also want the assisted transport support to those who are in a position to visit such institutions.

(vii)      Plan an early introduction of the National Mental Health Prorgramme with early diagnosis of Dementia, practice of social therapies for Dementia Care, and establishing Dementia Care facilities at the level of the Day Care Centres, apart from the other dedicated institutions. In fact, there is need to expand diagnosis and treatment facilities for health challenges faced by senior citizens in the form of Mobility Deficit, Cognitive Deficit, and Visual Deficit.                                                                                                                        

(viii)   We plead with you to work for the establishment of a National Commission for Senior Citizens at the Central level and State Commissions for Senior Citizens at the State level as a Constitutionally mandated grievance redressal mechanism with senior citizens as important stakeholders both at the level of the Membership of the Commissions and their intended beneficiaries .

(ix)   We urge you to support the speedier implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens’ Act, 2007 through measures that aim to create wider awareness concerning the legislation and its implementation. We would like you to demand a progress report both from the Centre and the States in regard to the steps taken to enforce this law universally.

(x)     We would like you to support the creation of a separate Ministry of Senior Citizens both at the level of the Centre and the States so that the legitimate aspirations of more than 12 crore senior citizens are accorded due attention. Such mechanisms should work towards developing a larger and more comprehensive programme base, including Day Centres at the Municipal/Panchayat Ward level supporting education, awareness, diagnostic health services and Respite Care programmes at that level, shelter for the destitute and abandoned senior citizens, etc. 

(xi)       Pledge by senior citizens to commit themselves, on their part, to work for a senior citizens’ movement that offers its mentoring services to the younger segments of the Indian population to find remunerative occupations, utilize their energies in the better implementation of welfare laws in the country, and join in a strong and vibrant citizenship movement in a democratic society. The organization also commits itself to more vibrant and active participation of the senior citizens in the democratic process;  assure the country that the senior citizens would be the first to reach the polling booths as part of their celebration of the democratic process and as an expression of strong and serious concern for better governance mechanisms.

We are aware that your Party has, as part of its Political Manifesto, taken considerable interest in the rights and welfare of  various vulnerable groups of our population in general, and of senior citizens in particular. We would like to share the above concerns, all the same, with you in the hope that you would accord a measure of priority to incorporating the needs of senior citizens in your Political Manifesto:

Thanking you,

                                                            Yours truly,

D.N. Chapke, President, Navi Mumbai (M) 09820021224

Dr. Sugan Bhatia, Senior Vice President, New Delhi (M) 09811225103;

B.B. Dixit, Vice President, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh(M) 09451937991;

Daljit Singh Grewal, Vice President, Chandigarh (M) 09855153203;

Krupasindhu Sahu, Vice President, Bhubaneswar, Odisha   (M) 09437001251;

Narayan N. Ingle, Vice President, Akola, Maharashtra   (M) 09822717199;

PrabhakarS. Kulkarni, Vice President, Karnataka,(M) 09845257990) ;

Haneefa Rawther, Vice President, Kerala (M) 09446362105;

D. Rajasekaran. Vice President, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (M) 009444368077

Dr. Mrs. Alka Vyas. Vice President, Pune, Maharashtra (M) 098502 77590

Indravadan Desai, Vice President, Gujarat (M) 093770 00066

Anil P. Kaskhedikar, Secretary General, Mumbai, Maharashtra (M) 09969128678

Om Prakash Hingar, Organizing Secretary, Rajasthan (M) 09829046901

Dr. S.P. Kinjawadekar, Advisor, Navi Mumbai (M) 098206 39773

 auther prabhakar chhatre

8

bSTANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

                                                            (2013-2014)

                                              (FIFTEENTH LOK SABHA)

                         MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

                       (DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT)

      IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEMES FOR WELFARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS

                          THIRTY-NINTH REPORT

                                 

                                           LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

                                                                     NEW DELHI

                                                February, 2014/Magha, 1935(Saka)

OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE

1.Progressive implementation of UN Principles and Directive Principles of State Policy. The Committee note that the International community was sensitized to the needs of the senior citizens in first ever World Assembly on Ageing in Vienna in 1982 which was followed by adoption of five principles for older persons by the United Nations on 16th December, 1991 viz. independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity as safeguards for the senior citizens. Notably, these laudable principles were enshrined in Article 41 of Constitution of India as Directive Principles of State Policy much before these were adopted by the UN. The Committee, however, recommend the Government to strive persistently to invoke these basic principles with unflinching determination and resolve for the welfare of the older persons. Though India traditionally enjoyed robust joint family system taking full care of elderly persons, however, the Committee note with deep concern that with the fast changing socio- economic conditions, disintegration of joint family system and emergence of nuclear families, the old people are getting increasingly neglected adversely affecting their care and dignity. It is, therefore, important that Government and the community play a proactive role in taking care of the elderly. The Committee ardently hope that with the positive programmatic and policy intervention by the Government for the welfare of senior citizens and the progressive implementation of the laudable goals set for the old people in the UN resolution and in our own Directive Principles of State Policy would enable the senior citizens to lead a life of dignity and self-fulfillment. The Committee also recommend that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in consultation with the Ministries of Commerce and External Affairs, apprise the Committee about the status of ratification of the said UN resolution by India in due course.

2.  Formulation of integrated action plan after due consultation with stakeholders. The Committee note that the population of senior citizens as a percentage of total population stood at 7.5% as per the 2001 census. The population is likely to increase to 12.4% in 2026 as per the report of the Technical Group on Population Projections constituted by the National Commission on Population. Further, as per the United Nations Projections on old age population in India, the overall population in India by the year 2050 will grow by 55% but more alarmingly, the population of people in their 60 years and above will increase by 326% and those in the age group of 80+ by 700% which is the fastest growing group. The Committee are, however, dismayed to note that the issue of rapid population ageing in the country has not received due attention of the Government and the community at large. The Committee feel that to meet squarely the daunting task of providing adequate social security, healthcare and other welfare measures to senior citizens, there is an imperative need for integrated plan of action involving various Departments and stakeholders. Since the community has a big role in ensuring the well being of senior citizens, they should be actively involved and their views taken on board while formulating such a plan. The Committee, therefore, recommend the Government to put in place a robust integrated action plan expeditiously with due consultation with all the stakeholders and the elders

and earnestly implement the same with in a definite time frame to fulfil the Nation's commitment to address the serious problems of senior citizens.

3. Formation of inter-ministerial expert group for 80+ group. The Committee are deeply concerned to note that there are no specific programmes/schemes to address the particular needs and challenges of 80+ age group which is projected to increase manifolds (700%) in the next 20-30 years. This age group is most vulnerable and runs the risk of getting dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, depression, etc. in their older years. The Committee, therefore, recommend that an expert group of representatives of all concerned Departments be constituted to devise specialized health care programme for the 80+ group.

4. Early implementation of schemes for welfare of senior citizens during 12th Plan. The Committee were informed that the Ministry have set up an expert committee to formulate a few new schemes under the XIIth Five Year Plan for the welfare of the senior citizens which include the scheme for awareness generation for Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior citizens Act 2007, setting up a helpline for senior citizens at the National and District Levels, setting up a National Commission for senior citizens, and setting up a National Trust for the Aged. The Committee are anguished to note that the above schemes incorporated in the 12th Five Year Plan have not taken off so far, though, almost two precious years of the Plan period have elapsed. The Committee recommend that the Ministry take urgent necessary action so that these schemes are operationalized at the earliest.

5. Harnessing of talent of senior citizens and their rehabilitation. The Committee note that as per the census of India's projected value of expectation of life at birth (2011-15), the life expectancy of males and females is 67.3 years and 69.6 years respectively. The Committee also note that the National Policy for Senior Citizens recognizes productive ageing as the key to the welfare of senior citizens between the age of 60-70 years. The Committee feel that with the increase in the life expectancy and relatively better state of health of people, the Government need to look at continuity of employment upto 65 years/or greater post retirement opportunities for the senior citizens so that the society continue to draw upon their experience and tap their talent. The Committee would like the Ministry to seriously consider the various options which would include reviewing the age of retirement, reemployment opportunities for the retired persons subject to their physical fitness and mental agility and setting up a Directorate of Employment and Rehabilitation for Senior Citizens.

6. Early formulation and implementation of new National Policy on Older Persons. The Committee note that the National Policy on older persons was announced in January 1999. Though the Policy had several features like State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and other needs of older persons to improve the quality of their lives, the implementation has been rather tardy and there is no coordination mechanism to effectively implement the policy. In view of the new demographic changes and to address the upfront areas viz. citizens of 80+, elderly women, rural poor and unorganized sectors, the Government, notably, set up a Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. (Smt.) V. Mohini Giri to draft a new National Policy on senior citizens, which submitted its report on 30th March, 2011. The Committee are deeply distressed that even after two years of submission of the new draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, the policy was yet to be finalized and implemented. Taking serious note of the tardy implementation of the 1999 policy and the inordinate delay in finalization of the new National policy on senior citizens, the Committee deplore the apathy and neglect on the part of the Government to address the problems of senior citizens. Though, the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment assured the Committee that efforts were being made to finalise the policy by the end of the financial year 2013-14, yet taking note of the unconscionable delay, the Committee recommend that the Ministry take urgent action so as to ensure that the new National Policy on Senior Citizens is finalized and implemented expeditiously without further loss of time and they be apprised.

7. Periodic meetings of National Council for Senior Citizens and State level councils. The Committee deprecate to note that the new National Council for Senior Citizens constituted on 22.2.2012, under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, has been largely dysfunctional as no meeting of the Council has been held, though required to meet twice in a year. As the National Council for Senior Citizens is an apex body on the policies and programmes for senior citizens, the Committee urge that the Council may be fully functionalized at the earliest alongwith constitution of State Level Councils for senior citizens in all the States and the Committee apprised.

8. Upfront areas for 80+ group in National Policy on Older Persons. The Committee note that the new draft policy sets out upfront areas needing very

special attention i.e. senior citizens in the age group of 80+, elderly women, rural poor and the unorganized sector. The Committee welcome the focus on these sections which are the most vulnerable and are facing increasing neglect and deprivation, poverty and abuse. Undoubtedly, these sections are in dire need of social security and special health care facilities. The Committee, therefore, ardently urge the Ministry to formulate suitable schemes for the dignified care of these vulnerable sections with adequate funding and get them implemented expeditiously.

9. Formation of Department of Disability Affairs and Senior Citizens. The Committee are pleased to note that for the effective implementation of the new policy, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment propose to expand the Department of Disability Affairs and rechristen it as 'Department of Disability Affairs and Senior Citizens'. The Committee while welcoming the laudable move, would like the new Department to be adequately strengthened with professional human resource and material resources so as to meet the lofty objectives of the welfare of our senior citizens, the most neglected section of society, as per good International norms and standards.

10. Utilization of funds allocated for welfare of senior citizens. The Committee note that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Central Sector Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) since 1992 with the objective of improving the quality of life of senior citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, basically through Government/Non-Government Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions/local bodies, etc. Important projects supported under the scheme are old age homes, Mobile Medicare Units and respite care homes and continuous care homes. The Committee are anguished at the low physical and financial performance of the scheme under IPOP for the last three years. Surprisingly, against a paltry budget allocation of Rs. 40 cr., only Rs. 20.67 cr. could be utilized during 2010-11, the position was equally discouraging during the previous years. The reasons enumerated for the trend include late receipt of proposals, incomplete documents, late response from the States/UTs in clarification of procedure, etc. The Committee take serious note of underutilization of allocated funds as programmes/projects such as running of old age homes, day care centers and Mobile Medicare Units have grievously suffered. The Committee re-commend that the Ministry look into the reasons for non-utilization of funds, bottlenecks in the implementation and streamline their procedure so that the funds earmarked for the welfare of older persons are well spent and the lapse of fund does not become a recurring theme.

11. Persuasive implementation of IPOP by States. The Committee are concerned to note the large disparity in release of grant-in-aid for old age homes under IPOP scheme in various States. The Secretary, while testifying before the Committee, stated that there were about 296 old age homes in the country and concentrated in a few States. It was pointed out that some States have been quite active while others have not taken the benefit of the scheme. The Committee desire that the Ministry should approach and persuade the States, lagging behind in taking benefit of the scheme, to send complete and viable proposals so that funds can be released to them for running old age homes.

12. Standardisation of norms and guidelines for old age homes. The Committee note that there is a felt need for more old age homes in the country. The Committee feel that the Union Government need to address this issue so that old age homes are available in all districts of the country given the growing requirements. The Committee re-iterate their earlier recommendation contained in the 36th Report on Demands for Grants (2013-14) of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that liberal central assistance should be provided for the construction of old age homes in each district of the country. The Committee also desire that the plan of old age homes needs to be standardised so that specific norms and guidelines are chalked out for design of the building and the manpower and expertise much needed for running old age homes.

13. Programmes for senior citizens in rural areas. The Committee note with deep concern the rising population of senior citizens residing in rural areas and the problems faced by them. The deposition of the representatives of an NGO that the rural elderly are facing deprivation, discrimination and abuse only reinforces the worry of the Committee. The Committee are distressed to note that no State, Panchayati Raj institution and local body had, reportedly, approached/sent their proposal seeking financial assistance/grant in aid under the scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons for running any scheme for the welfare of senior citizens. The Committee desire the Ministry to sensitize the State Governments and local bodies so that programmes for welfare of senior citizens are implemented in rural areas through day care centres and other measures with the help of Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies. If necessary, the Ministry may consider to release funds for undertaking welfare programmes to these institutions under IPOP. Needless to say, this would go a long way in helping the senior citizens residing in rural areas, thereby giving them access to healthcare, recreation, entertainment and peer interaction.

14. Organization of health camps of MMUs in remote, inaccessible areas. The Committee are dismayed to observe that the number of Mobile Medicare Units (MMUs) assisted under the scheme have gone down from 38 units in year 2011-12 to 29 units in 2012-13. The Committee are of the firm view that MMUs are an important part of the IPOP scheme and, therefore, stress that more MMUs should be assisted, especially in rural and inaccessible areas deprived of medical care as old people, who at times, confined to their homes and bedridden, are unable to travel. MMUs should also regularly organize health camps in remote and distant areas so that more people can avail the benefits.

15. Need for online portal for scrutiny of applications of NGOs.The Committee are concerned to note that the procedure for release of Grant-in-aid under the scheme of IPOP is very long and cumbersome as submitted by the NGOs in their Memoranda to the Committee. Statedly, quite often the proposals are held up at the State level and it becomes difficult for the NGOs to submit the same to the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Taking note of the assurance of the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, that efforts are being made to design an online portal for receipt of applications and the examination of proposals by an independent agency, the Committee recommend that the online portal be opened and made operational expeditiously and the examination of proposals be made by an independent agency and the Committee apprised. Also the details of the NGOs, the list of beneficiaries, grants given and details of the projects undertaken should be uploaded on the website of the Ministry in order to bring greater transparency and accountability in the working of the scheme.

16. Early revision of cost norms. The Committee have also been informed that the cost norms of the Central Sector Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older People (IPOP) were last revised w.e.f. 01.04.2008. Besides increase in amount of financial assistance for existing projects, several innovative projects were added as being eligible for assistance under the scheme. Since more than five years have passed when the scheme was last revised and keeping in view the inflation rate and the cost of living index, the Committee recommend that the cost norms of the scheme be revised with a sense of urgency. The Ministry should urgently take action in the matter and inform the Committee in this regard.

17. Setting up of RRTCs in each State. The Committee note that the Regional Resource and Training Cenres (RRTCs) is an innovative project introduced in the revised scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP).The Committee are unhappy to observe that only 4 RRTCs have been supported under the scheme. The Committee, therefore, recommend that at least one RRTC should be designated in each state so as to maintain a data base of institutions working in the field of old age care, the number of old age persons who are destitute and need help, organise training programmes in gerontology and liaison with State Government Departments dealing with welfare of senior citizens whenever required.

18. Extension of geriatric health care and other facilities in all the districts. The Committee note that the National Programme for the Health Care of the 

Elderly (NPHCE) is an important programme which aims to provide separate and specialized healthcare to the senior citizens. Due to the decline in the physical ability and increasing susceptibility to diseases, the elderly need dedicated healthcare facilities, especially the age group of 80+. The Committee note that 100 districts in 21 States have so far been covered under the NPHCE programme and geriatric daily clinics have been established in 65 district hospitals and geriatric wards established in 53 district hospitals. Also 8 Regional geriatric centres have been opened in regional centres in major hospitals throughout the country. Further, the National Institute of Ageing (NIA) at AIIMS, New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai is to be established during XII Five Year Plan for which Rs. 1710.13 cr. have been approved during the Plan period. Appreciative of the Government resolve to improve the coverage of NPHCE, the Committee recommend that (i) geriatric healthcare should be extended in all the districts of the country, (ii) given the projection of manifold increase in old age population of the country in the next 20 years, super speciality hospitals be set up exclusively for geriatric care in all the State capitals, (iii) wide publicity be given to the scheme so that the senior citizens become aware of the facilities existing in the various Regional Hospitals and District Hospitals for them and avail the same without hassles, (iv) directions may be issued to and it may be ensured that all Government Hospitals, district centres and healthcare centres have separate queues and seating arrangements for the elderly persons so that they get access to healthcare facilities on priority without discomfiture while waiting for their turn inter se, (v) the population of 80+ should be given priority over others in availing all medical facilities, and (vi) suitable training be imparted to the care givers of the old age population so that they handle the cases with greater sensitivity and professionalism.

19. Need for health insurance for the older persons or universalization of RSBY. The Committee note that Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) have issued instructions on healthcare for senior citizens to Chief Executive Officer of all General Health Insurance Companies, which includes their entry upto 65 years of age. The Committee desire that the Government should work on a health insurance scheme on the lines of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) for the senior citizens or the RSBY universalised.

20. Revision in pension ceiling and criteria for pension. The Committee note that the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under which Central Assistance is given towards pension @ Rs. 200/- per month to persons above 60 years and Rs. 500/- per month to persons above 80 years belonging to a household below poverty line, which is to be supplemented by the States. The Committee feel that the pension provided under the scheme is too low and desire that senior citizens in the country should at least get an old age pension of Rs. 1000/- pm. The Committee also desire that the criteria of below poverty line for availing old age pension needs to be revised and may be universalized for all non income tax payers.

21. Assistance to persons without permanent address to facilitate grant of pension. Mindful of the deplorable conditions of the destitute and the widows, the Committee urge that priority be accorded to them in the grant of old age pension. The Committee recommend that local Government bodies be persuaded to identify the most needy class of old age pensioners with the help of NGOs and the community so as to help them get access to pension. Due assistance may also be extended to the people without a permanent address/bank account, etc. so that all deserving people get old age pension.

22. Better monitoring needed of NSAP. The Committee note that the Ministry of Rural Development have laid out a procedure for monitoring of the Central Assistance schemes like the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which provides pension to the senior citizens. The Committee were apprised that the scheme is to be reviewed by the Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (V&MC) constituted at the District level. MPs have representation in these Committees. The Committee recommend that the States hold monitoring meetings at least every three months to vigorously monitor the pension schemes at the District and State levels and give the requisite feed back to the Ministry of Rural Development.

23. Uniform criteria needed for the definition of senior citizens and due concession in airfare. The Committee are pleased to note that the Ministry of Railways provides facilities for senior citizens, such as separate ticket counters for senior citizens at various centres and concessional rail fares for senior citizens. The Committee are, however, surprised that the National Carrier, Air India, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation offers 50% discount on the Highest Economy class Basic fare to senior citizens who have completed 63 years of age on the date of commencement of journey for travel on Domestic Network. The Committee note that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 defines senior citizens as people of 60 years of age. Therefore, the Committee recommend that all schemes for senior citizens should be aimed at the target group of 60+ and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment should issue mandatory instructions in this regard. Moreover, the concession in airfare should be on the minimum fare of that day and not on the full fare ticket as per the prevalent practice.

24. Need for revision of income tax exemption ceiling. The Committee note that the Ministry of Finance also provides certain concessions to the senior citizens in terms of income tax exemption for the senior citizens which is Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum to persons above 60 years and Rs. 5.00 lakh to persons above 80 years. The Committee feel that the exemption should be raised periodically keeping in view the increasing cost of living, including food, housing and the prohibitive cost of healthcare of the senior citizens.

25. Framework for implementation by the States for Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The Committee note that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 has been enacted to ensure need based maintenance for parents and senior citizens and their welfare. The Act has been brought into force by individual State Governments. The Committee find that about 7 State Governments and one UT are still to frame rules under the Act, appoint maintenance officers, constitute maintenance Tribunals, etc., which mainly include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The Committee desire that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment pursue with the State Governments for putting in place expeditiously the prescribed machinery and framework for the implementation of the Act with stringent monitoring mechanism.

26. Protection to the life and property of senior citizens. The Committee understand that under the provisions of the Act, the State Governments are required to prescribe a comprehensive action plan for providing protection to the life and property of senior citizens. However, the Committee were informed that only 6 states – Goa, Tripura, Haryana, Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and 4 UTs namely Chandigarh, Delhi, Puducherry and Daman & Diu have devised an action plan for providing security to the life and property of senior citizens. The Committee note that protection of the life and property is very important aspect of the Act since crimes against senior citizens have become common especially in urban areas. The Committee desire that effective steps should be taken by the States to give protection and a sense of security to the senior citizens residing in both urban and rural areas.

27. Study of best welfare practices. The Committee note from the information furnished by the Ministry that many of the European countries, especially the Scandinavian countries, which have sizeable population of elderly people, provide many facilities for their senior citizens through municipalities and Government agencies, which include home help, healthcare and cooked meals. The Committee feel that the Government of India should endeavour to adopt best practices from these countries and elsewhere for the welfare of senior citizens in our country and a detailed study in this regard should be carried out by the Ageing Division of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

28. Compendium of welfare measures/relaxations/facilities. Having regard to the fact that programmes and schemes for the welfare of the older persons are run by different Ministries/Departments and various concessions, relaxations, facilities and priorities are accorded to them, the Committee recommend that an exhaustive compendium of all such benefits extended by the Union Government be brought out and periodically updated as a ready reference manual for the older persons and the stakeholder.

29. Multipronged strategy to include destitute elders and financial independence and integration of elders. Taking cognizance of the diversity and enormity of the problems confronting the aged, the Committee recommend that the proposed new National Policy on Older Persons must adopt a multipronged strategy to address the problems of the elders with variegated socio-economic conditions and make provision for their independence, social integration, care and dignity. The policy so evolved specifically needs to make provision for the shelter and care of the aged destitute as well as the elders who are desolate, physically infirm but financially independent. The Government may so integrate their welfare programmes that the elders in old age homes/service apartments are able to interact and educate the children in orphanages or schools. Special concession may be given to the destitute widow or widower who enter into matrimonial alliance after sixty years of age.

30. Sensitization of young minds through education. Mindful of the rich cultural heritage of India and the scriptural edicts which proclaim that an assembly must have elders and that one who renders service to the elders, the longevity, knowledge, fame and power of such a person gets enhanced. The  Committee, therefore, recommend that the Government of India in the Ministry of Human Resource Development may design appropriate syllabus in order to enlighten the awareness of children about great Indian cultural heritage and the esteem in which the elders have been held from time immemorial and the far reaching benefits that accrue from the care and service of the elders.

31. Standing machinery for effective inter-ministerial coordination and enactment of a new law. The Committee note that the various Ministries of the Government of India run schemes for the welfare of senior citizens, i.e. the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Finance, etc. The Committee desire that the Government should strengthen the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for better liaisoning and coordination between the various Ministries implementing the schemes for the welfare of senior citizens, both at the Central and State level. In order to ensure that the elders get proper access to food, shelter and the much needed healthcare in the twilight of their life and that they lead a dignified existence, which is part of the fundamental right to life, the Committee recommend that a permanent standing machinery be created under the Chairmanship of the Secretary (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) for better conception, coordination and effective implementation of various interdependent programmes for the welfare of elderly people. Given the enormity of the emerging challenges in the next 20 years and the vulnerability of this age group, the Committee recommend that a comprehensive law for the social security and protection of the dignity of senior citizens of the country be enacted at the earliest. The Committee are quite sanguine that if their recommendations are given due consideration and implemented earnestly, the vision of 'grow old' and the 'best of life is yet to be', would get fructified.

                                                                                                 HEMANAND BISWAL

   NEW DELHI                                                                  Chairman,

17 December, 2013                                                  Standing Committee on           26 Agrahayana, 1935 (Saka)                                        Social Justice and

Empowerment

 Author prabhakar chhatrr

  

The Recent Developments on the Issues of the Senior Citizens

Rs 1,000 minimum pension is almost a reality

Trustees of retirement fund managing body EPFO has recently approved a proposal to provide a monthly pension of minimum Rs 1,000, a decision that will immediately benefit about its 28 lakh pensioners.

The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the apex decision making body of  EPFO also decided to raise the monthly wage ceiling to Rs 15,000 from Rs 6,500 by amending the EPF scheme, 1952, so that more workers can be brought under its various social security programmes.

"The board has decided to approve the proposed amendments in the schemes to ensure that Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under EPS-95 and also increased the wage ceiling to Rs 15,000 per month," Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, who chaired the CBT meeting, told reporters.

At present, workers getting basic wages, including basic pay and DA, of up to Rs 6,500 are covered under the ambit of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

According to an EPFO official, the Labour Ministry will soon move proposal before the Union Cabinet for its approval for the Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension as the government would have to make fund provisions for the purpose.

"We have also reduced the administrative charges paid by the employers. Their burden would increase with the increase in wage ceiling," the Minister said.

The board has also decided to reduce administrative charges from 1.10 per cent of the basic wage, including basic pay and dearness allowance, to 0.85 per cent.

Besides, the trustees have also approved a proposed change in the methodology of computing the pensionable salary.

The pensionable salary will be calculated on the basis of average salary of the last 60 months instead of 12 months as provided in the EPS-95.

However, the proposed change in the methodology for computing pensionable salary was approved with a dissent note from the trade unionist members of the CBT.

Global Commission on Ageing

Developing countries including India are working towards the setting up of a global commission on ageing in developing countries. Discussions for such a commission were held at a recent conference in China attended by Union health and family welfare minister, Hon’ble Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The goal of the commission is to enable gender, equity and rights based policies and programming that will improve the quality of life of the ageing population in developing countries.

Senior citizens (above 60 years) are among the fastest growing demographic age group worldwide. According to UN projections, there are likely to be more people above 60 years around the globe in 2050 than children below 14 years.

 The increasing ageing populations posed challenges for existing health systems, social security and, in some cases, employment, particularly in developing countries which weren't fully equipped with policies and programmes to deal with the age group.
Ageing has also been a key focus of the development agenda as experts gather to draw up priorities once the Millennium Development Goals lapse in 2015.

The Activism of the National Human Rights Commission

Senior citizens are still not able to avail of the benefits of legislation formulated seven years ago for their protection, as many states have not set up appropriate machinery for its proper implementation. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has now taken up the issue and has sought a report from all states and Union Territories regarding the action taken in enforcing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

The NHRC is of the view that some state governments are not implementing the provisions of the law in its true spirit, leading to violation of human 'rights. With entrusted officers having "no time" to deal with senior citizens, the NHRC made note of the need for full-time officers in the capacity of a maintenance officer at the subdivision level. The commission has given the states six weeks' time to inform it whether they have constituted maintenance tribunals, appellate tribunals and old-age homes, as well as ensured medical support for senior citizens.

The law provides that governments shall establish old age homes for indigent senior citizens. It also states that a government hospital ,or a hospital funded fully or partially by it, shall provide beds for all senior citizens as far as possible for the treatment of chronic, terminal and degenerative diseases.

The wide ranging recommendations of the Standing Committee of Parliament for Social Justice and Empowerment

A parliamentary committee has recommended that retirement age should be increased from 60 years to 65 years, citing the increase in ageing population and their productivity.
In its report tabled in Lok Sabha on 7^th February 2014, the committee also advocated a host of benefits to the geriatric population, including upping their income tax exemption limit and setting up of super-speciality hospitals in all states exclusively for them.
"The committee would like the Ministry (Social Justice and Empowerment) to seriously consider the various options which would include reviewing the age of retirement, re-employment opportunities for the retired persons... and setting up a Directorate of Employment and Rehabilitation for Senior Citizens," it said.

Though India traditionally enjoyed robust joint family system taking full care of elderly persons, however, the Committee note with deep concern that with the fast changing socio- economic conditions, disintegration of joint family system and emergence of nuclear families, the old people are getting increasingly neglected adversely affecting their care and dignity. It is, therefore, important that Government and the community play a proactive role in taking care of the elderly. The Committee ardently hope that with the positive programmatic and policy intervention by the Government for the welfare of senior citizens and the progressive implementation of the laudable goals set for the old people in the UN resolution and in our own Directive Principles of State Policy would enable the senior citizens to lead a life of dignity and self-fulfillment. The Committee also recommend that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in consultation with the Ministries of Commerce and External Affairs, apprise the Committee about the status of ratification of the said UN resolution by India in due course.

The Committee are, however, dismayed to note that the issue of rapid population ageing in the country has not received due attention of the Government and the community at large. The Committee feel that to meet squarely the daunting task of providing adequate social security, healthcare and other welfare measures to senior citizens, there is an imperative need for integrated plan of action involving various Departments and stakeholders. Since the community has a big role in ensuring the well being of senior citizens, they should be actively involved and their views taken on board while formulating such a plan. The Committee, therefore, recommend the Government to put in place a robust integrated action plan expeditiously with due consultation with all the stakeholders and the elders

and earnestly implement the same with in a definite time frame to fulfil the Nation's commitment to address the serious problems of senior citizens.

Early implementation of schemes for welfare of senior citizens during 12th Plan. The Committee were informed that the Ministry have set up an expert committee to formulate a few new schemes under the XIIth Five Year Plan for the welfare of the senior citizens which include the scheme for awareness generation for Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior citizens Act 2007, setting up a helpline for senior citizens at the National and District Levels, setting up a National Commission for senior citizens, and setting up a National Trust for the Aged. The Committee are anguished to note that the above schemes incorporated in the 12th Five Year Plan have not taken off so far, though, almost two precious years of the Plan period have elapsed. The Committee recommend that the Ministry take urgent necessary action so that these schemes are operationalized at the earliest.

Periodic meetings of National Council for Senior Citizens and State level councils. The Committee deprecate to note that the new National Council for Senior Citizens constituted on 22.2.2012, under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, has been largely dysfunctional as no meeting of the Council has been held, though required to meet twice in a year. As the National Council for Senior Citizens is an apex body on the policies and programmes for senior citizens, the Committee urge that the Council may be fully functionalized at the earliest alongwith constitution of State Level Councils for senior citizens in all the States and the Committee apprised.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Central Sector Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) since 1992 with the objective of improving the quality of life of senior citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, basically through Government/Non-Government Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions/local bodies, etc. Important projects supported under the scheme are old age homes, Mobile Medicare Units and respite care homes and continuous care homes. The Committee are anguished at the low physical and financial performance of the scheme under IPOP for the last three years. Surprisingly, against a paltry budget allocation of Rs. 40 cr., only Rs. 20.67 cr. could be utilized during 2010-11, the position was equally discouraging during the previous years.

Programmes for senior citizens in rural areas. The Committee note with deep concern the rising population of senior citizens residing in rural areas and the problems faced by them. The deposition of the representatives of an NGO that the rural elderly are facing deprivation, discrimination and abuse only reinforces the worry of the Committee. The Committee are distressed to note that no State, Panchayati Raj institution and local body had, reportedly, approached/sent their proposal seeking financial assistance/grant in aid under the scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons for running any scheme for the welfare of senior citizens. The Committee desire the Ministry to sensitize the State Governments and local bodies so that programmes for welfare of senior citizens are implemented in rural areas through day care centres and other measures with the help of Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies. If necessary, the Ministry may consider to release funds for undertaking welfare programmes to these institutions under IPOP. Needless to say, this would go a long way in helping the senior citizens residing in rural areas, thereby giving them access to healthcare, recreation, entertainment and peer interaction.

Setting up of RRTCs in each State. The Committee note that the Regional Resource and Training Cenres (RRTCs) is an innovative project introduced in the revised scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP).The Committee are unhappy to observe that only 4 RRTCs have been supported under the scheme. The Committee, therefore, recommend that at least one RRTC should be designated in each state so as to maintain a data base of institutions working in the field of old age care, the number of old age persons who are destitute and need help, organise training programmes in gerontology and liaison with State Government Departments dealing with welfare of senior citizens whenever required.

Extension of geriatric health care and other facilities in all the districts. The Committee note that the National Programme for the Health Care of the  Elderly (NPHCE) is an important programme which aims to provide separate and specialized healthcare to the senior citizens. Due to the decline in the physical ability and increasing susceptibility to diseases, the elderly need dedicated healthcare facilities, especially the age group of 80+. The Committee note that 100 districts in 21 States have so far been covered under the NPHCE programme and geriatric daily clinics have been established in 65 district hospitals and geriatric wards established in 53 district hospitals. Also 8 Regional geriatric centres have been opened in regional centres in major hospitals throughout the country. Further, the National Institute of Ageing (NIA) at AIIMS, New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai is to be established during XII Five Year Plan for which Rs. 1710.13 cr. have been approved during the Plan period. Appreciative of the Government resolve to improve the coverage of NPHCE, the Committee recommend that (i) geriatric healthcare should be extended in all the districts of the country, (ii) given the projection of manifold increase in old age population of the country in the next 20 years, super speciality hospitals be set up exclusively for geriatric care in all the State capitals, (iii) wide publicity be given to the scheme so that the senior citizens become aware of the facilities existing in the various Regional Hospitals and District Hospitals for them and avail the same without hassles, (iv) directions may be issued to and it may be ensured that all Government Hospitals, district centres and healthcare centres have separate queues and seating arrangements for the elderly persons so that they get access to healthcare facilities on priority without discomfiture while waiting for their turn inter se, (v) the population of 80+ should be given priority over others in availing all medical facilities, and (vi) suitable training be imparted to the care givers of the old age population so that they handle the cases with greater sensitivity and professionalism.

Need for health insurance for the older persons or universalization of RSBY. The Committee note that Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) have issued instructions on healthcare for senior citizens to Chief Executive Officer of all General Health Insurance Companies, which includes their entry upto 65 years of age. The Committee desire that the Government should work on a health insurance scheme on the lines of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) for the senior citizens or the RSBY universalised.

Revision in pension ceiling and criteria for pension. The Committee note that the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under which Central Assistance is given towards pension @ Rs. 200/- per month to persons above 60 years and Rs. 500/- per month to persons above 80 years belonging to a household below poverty line, which is to be supplemented by the States. The Committee feel that the pension provided under the scheme is too low and desire that senior citizens in the country should at least get an old age pension of Rs. 1000/- pm. The Committee also desire that the criteria of below poverty line for availing old age pension needs to be revised and may be universalized for all non income tax payers.

Better monitoring needed of NSAP. The Committee note that the Ministry of Rural Development have laid out a procedure for monitoring of the Central Assistance schemes like the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which provides pension to the senior citizens. The Committee were apprised that the scheme is to be reviewed by the Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (V&MC) constituted at the District level. MPs have representation in these Committees. The Committee recommend that the States hold monitoring meetings at least every three months to vigorously monitor the pension schemes at the District and State levels and give the requisite feed back to the Ministry of Rural Development.

Sensitization of young minds through education. Mindful of the rich cultural heritage of India and the scriptural edicts which proclaim that an assembly must have elders and that one who renders service to the elders, the longevity, knowledge, fame and power of such a person gets enhanced. The  Committee, therefore, recommend that the Government of India in the Ministry of Human Resource Development may design appropriate syllabus in order to enlighten the awareness of children about great Indian cultural heritage and the esteem in which the elders have been held from time immemorial and the far reaching benefits that accrue from the care and service of the elders.

Need to strengthen the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

The Committee are, however, dismayed to note that the issue of rapid population ageing in the country has not received due attention of the Government and the community at large. The Committee feel that to meet squarely the daunting task of providing adequate social security, healthcare and other welfare measures to senior citizens, there is an imperative need for integrated plan of action involving various Departments and stakeholders. Since the community has a big role in ensuring the well being of senior citizens, they should be actively involved and their views taken on board while formulating such a plan. The Committee, therefore, recommend the Government to put in place a robust integrated action plan expeditiously with due consultation with all the stakeholders and the elders and earnestly implement the same with in a definite time frame to fulfil the Nation's commitment to address the serious problems of senior citizens.

The Committee desire that the Government should strengthen the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for better liaisoning and coordination between the various Ministries implementing the schemes for the welfare of senior citizens, both at the Central and State level. In order to ensure that the elders get proper access to food, shelter and the much needed healthcare in the twilight of their life and that they lead a dignified existence, which is part of the fundamental right to life, the Committee recommend that a permanent standing machinery be created under the Chairmanship of the Secretary (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) for better conception, coordination and effective implementation of various interdependent programmes for the welfare of elderly people. Given the enormity of the emerging challenges in the next 20 years and the vulnerability of this age group, the Committee recommend that a comprehensive law for the social security and protection of the dignity of senior citizens of the country be enacted at the earliest. The Committee are quite sanguine that if their recommendations are given due consideration and implemented earnestly, the vision of 'grow old' and the 'best of life is yet to be', would get fructified.

                                                                                                D.N.Chapke

                                                                                           President, AISCCON

Author prabhakar chhatre