Thursday, December 29, 2011

Fundamental Duties and Senior Citizens

Fundamental Duties and Senior Citizens

 

The Constitution of India is by far the most important document spelling out what we Indians shall or shall not do as a nation as a whole. As a nation comprises of people, provisions in the constitution say what citizens should and should not do in very broad terms. Common man, when he hears the phrase Constitution of India,  immediately thinks of Fundamental Rights guaranteed to him but rarely ever thinks of Fundamental duties binding him. Rights and responsibilities are two sides of a coin and one can not exist without the other.

 

As I have been working the area of welfare of Senior Citizens for the past decade or so (post retirement activity), I shall discuss fundamental duties of all citizens from older persons' point of view.  The first duty asks us to respect the National Flag and National Anthem. When the National Anthem is sung, some people, even senior citizens, walk away or busy themselves with trivial things like talking on mobile. They are supposed to set an example to youngsters but do just the opposite. Event organizers should ensure strict compliance of this duty, especially as this is enforceable by law. This is the simplest of all the duties specified in our constitution.

 

The second duty viz "to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle" is fittest to be enforced upon senior citizens. They are closely connected with the last generation that sacrificed a lot to get us independence and freedom. If present day seniors do not understand or appreciate this, how can we expect youngsters who are far removed in time to understand?

 

"To defend the country when called upon to do so" is another fundamental duty. Senior citizens may not be of much help in a physical sense. However, fighting an enemy requires brain power and experience as well. Whatever contribution one can offer including encouraging youngsters to be enthusiastic and patriotic is well within the capabilities.

 

"To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women" is the fourth duty. Having seen life and strife, seniors are best suitable to renounce bigotry, petty feelings and narrow mindedness.  Besides shedding feelings of partiality based on religion, caste, language, region of origin etc, older people should dissuade youngsters from being narrow.

 

"To safeguard public property and abjure violence" is the next one. We find strikes and bundhs everyday, where a common accompaniment is the loss of public property like buses and buildings. Elders can do their fundamental duty by bringing culprits to book, offer to be witnesses etc. In initial stages suitable advice to younger adults to calm down and see sense, might work. Keeping aloof thinking "this is not my concern" is wrong.

 

 "To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual" is the final diktat. Here comes the ideas of life long learning, University Third Age, Distance education, productive ageing etc. No age is too old to learn.  No age is too old to contribute to society. If elders can be active through out and contribute their mite to society by way of voluntary service, work, suggestions, advice etc our country will certainly progress much faster.

*****

The above article written by me was sent to the organisers in connection with the award of UNV Karmaveer Puraskar - Karmaveer Chakra award given in November 2011 to me.


Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/
I have started a third blog:  http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/ 

Monday, December 26, 2011

Maintenance of Parents - Sec 125 of CrPC

Judgments under Sec 125 of CrPC
==========================
Judgments – Section 125 CrPC – Maintenance of Parents
Section 125 (1) (d) of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is a provision
in Indian Law whereby a Magistrate can order children to make a
payment of monthly allowance as maintenance to their Parents (father
or mother).
Relevant extracts from a few Judgments of Supreme Court and various
High Courts of India are enumerated below, wherein Courts have
pronounced following major decisions :• Father or mother must be
unable to maintain himself or herself• Fulfilment of parental
obligation is not a pre-condition to claim maintenance• Daughter is
liable to pay maintenance to parents• Adoptive mother can claim
maintenance• Step-mother can claim maintenance• Application for
maintenance to be filed where the son / daughter lives

The amount is limited Rs 500 per month maximum.

I can give details of salient features of such judgments to anyone interested.

Extract from an article - sent by Vyasamoorthy
======================================

Saturday, December 24, 2011

146 senior citizens killed in Maharashtra in three years

146 senior citizens killed in Maharashtra in three yearsPratishtha
Ingale, TNN | Dec 23, 2011, 01.02AM IST

NAGPUR: Home minister RR Patil on Thursday informed that 146 senior
citizens were killed in the state during 2009 to 2011. Of these four
cases happened in Mumbai in September this year alone. He provided
these figures while replying to a query by Arun Gujarathi, Usha Darade
and others in legislative council on Thursday.
In the last six months, eight senior citizens were killed and an
amount of Rs 8.86 lakh was stolen from them but Rs 8.24 lakh of it was
recovered after investigation. The minister said, "the accused in 91
cases were arrested. It is observed that close relatives and in some
cases servants were the culprits in most cases. The most common
intention behind the murders was disputes on property or loans,
differences within family, and under influence of liquor."
According to him, every police station had compiled a separate
register of senior citizens residing in its jurisdiction. The details
of servants working for the senior citizens were also collected. A
toll free helpline was started for the safety of senior citizens. The
helpline number for Mumbai was 103 and people from rest of Maharashtra
could dial 1029. In response to the call made to these numbers,
immediate help would be provided. Also, a special Tanta-Mukta police
station was started in Aurangabad, Patil said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/146-senior-citizens-killed-in-Maharashtra-in-three-years/articleshow/11212026.cms

========

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Book Review - Aisccon Guide on Elder Care Homes

Prof PV Ramamurti and Dr P Vyasamoorthy: AISCCON Guide on Elder Care
Homes. Published by All India Senior Citizens Confederation, Mumbai.
November 2011. Pages (A5) 86.

This book is two parts. The first part, the Guide on Elder Care Homes
is based on papers submitted by members of AISCCON National Committee
on Elder Care Homes. This part is mainly targeted towards managers and
owners of Elder Care Homes. Minimum Standards for services, facilities
and infrastructure are stipulated for a) free homes run on charity
basis and b) Pay & Stay type intended for middle and upper middle
class elderly persons. Thereafter, provision of healthcare facilities,
Food and Nutritional aspects, and Activities / Entertainment are
covered in three later chapters.

Apart from general aspects of managing Elders homes, there is a
separate chapter on Financial management. As a logical next step,
details relating to Monitoring and Inspection of Old Age Homes are
given next. Rounding off this group are two articles one on: A summary
of Research Studies on Old Age Homes in India and a brief note of the
scenario in UK USA and Canada.

Appendices, forming the second part, are a collection of important and
useful extracts from various governmental sources that serve as
reference.  Architects, planners and real estate persons interested in
providing shelter to senior citizens will benefit from Guidelines on
Space standards for the elderly, Universal design tips and barrier
free access guidelines.  The AP State Rules relating to old age homes
– (still in draft stage as of Nov 2011)- under Maintenance and Welfare
of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 would be useful as a model /
template for other states. These rules will indeed be directly useful
to owners / managers of old age homes.

There are a few a few page formatting errors in second part of the
book. Absence of info on copyright, availability, and details of
AISCCON - the publisher as such are points to be noted if a second
edition is taken up. The book is very useful to all connected with
setting up and running old age homes. Even residents of old age homes
may benefit by learning what they should look for in searching /
selecting old age homes.

Prof P.V.Ramamurti, PhD(Ageing), FNA, Honorary Director(Emeritus),
Center for Research on Ageing, Dept. of Psychology, S V University,
super annuated as Dean of school of social behavior sciences, in 1996.
He was a Fulbright fellow (1983), Andrus Gerontology Center, L A USA.
His Intl and National awards include Sandoz Intl award, Age Care
award, AGI lifetime achievement award,  Pranavananda Research
Award(lifetime), Basu Medal ( API), SCB award for excellence, ISCA
Platinum jubilee award . He is a scholar and teacher of international
repute.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, co-author, has about ten years of post retirement
experience as a social gerontologist and social activist. He is a
prolific writer. He is a recipient of AP State govt award in 2007 for
his services to senior citizens and a winner of UNV Karmaveer Puraskar
Award in 2011.
==================================================
Available at Rs 30 plus postage, from: AISCCON, Jyestha Nagrik Bhavan,
Plot No 7-C Behind Gaondevi Mandir, Sector 12, Nerul(West), Navi
Mumbai 400706 (Phone: 022-27701228)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Free Medical and Legal Consultation for Senior Citizens - Hyderabad

Free Medical and Legal Consultation for Senior Citizens

The Association of Senior Citizens, Lions Bhavan, Paradise Circle,behind HDFC Bank have inaugurated a Special Service to Senior Citizens irrespective they are members or not, since 13 Dec 2011.This is open for all senior Citizens free of cost..On the inauguration day 26 members availed the facility. The consultations had to be extended by another hour due to heavy demand as a special gesture by the Doctors.Dr. Mukesh conducted the medical check up, his assistant Doctor carried out Blood Sugar Test and Blood Presure test.

This facility is on every second Tuesday of the month between 3 and 4 pm at Lions Bhavan 2 nd floor. Dr. D Sree Mukesh M D (Gen).D Dia of Vivekananda Hospital Begumpet will visit the premises and check up the medical health of patients and prescribe drugs all free of cost. Blood Pressure and Blood sugar level is also checked up. A token sum of Rs 20 is collected for consumables for blood test.Vivekananda Hospital has kindly agreed to give a discount of 20 percent to members of this association for specialists consultations.The discount is also applicable for diagnostic tests . The in patients are also eligible for the discounts on their bill except on the consumables.

Another facility to be started from 27 Dec 2011 is free legal advice by a practicing High Court Advocate Mr Manoj He will render legal advice for all senior citizens irrespective of members or not. He shall also deal with Alternate Therapy.This facility is also free for all Senior Citizens

This programme will continue every month. In January 2012 it will be on 10 th and 24 Jan 2011 respectively

These facilities may please be availed by all Senior Citizens and be given wide publicity.

As the period of one hour is a short period number of patients will be around 15 to 20 to be given facility. It is requested to get their names registered  in advance. The registration start a week in advance. 

Khanapur Krishna Rao B.Sc.,B.E. IDSE (retd)
Secretary, The Association of Senior Citizens, Hyderabad
Tele 9392431974       Landline 040-27752546

==============

Monday, December 5, 2011

A Note on SSS-Global Meeting on 4th December 2011


A Note on SSS-Global Meeting on 4th December 2011

Registration

Last year it was decided to hold sss-global annual meeting on the first Sunday of December every year.
Accordingly some 45 members met at Sweekar Hall to celebrate the annual day of the SSS global on 4t December 2011. The face to face interaction was wonderful. The registration started at 10 am followed by light breakfast. During the registration participants were given a copy of latest issue of Tarnaka News, Harmony magazine and DVD on Isha Kriya – all free of cost. The program started at 11am sharp.

Speeches

Mrs Kamakshi, the Master of Ceremonies, greeted and welcomed all the guests. An invocation song on Lord Narayana was melodiously rendered by Ms Shanti Shivram. It augured well .

Dr P Vyasamoorthy thereafter welcomed the members and gave a brief report on the SSS Global. How it was the brainchild Mr Sivraram and very well supported by others like Justice Rangarajan, Mr VK Narasiman, Rajendra Rao, IVLN Chary and others. Today it is 5th among some 700 such groups meant for senior citizens. He went on to describe how several people are regular contributors on various topics of interest for the seniors.  Benefits to members were described. Justice Rangarajan also added his views about the group and how quality information can be shared.

Mr RN Mital also congratulated the efforts of the founder members and threw light on the problems facing the seniors and invited an open discussion about how the implementation of the laws and welfare schemes for elders should be taken up. Dr Vasunder Reddy too gave his positive views about SSS and how regardless of the time of the day he reads the mail and the articles.

Felicitation

The icing on the cake was the announcement of the award given to Dr P Vyasamoorthy. 
ICONGO, VSO and Silver Innings Foundation have jointly initiated an award for Exceptional work for Senior citizens. This is their first year. Dr P Vyasamoorthy was selected for the Award called Karmaveer Puraskar UNV Karmaveer Chakra. This was presented in Delhi on 27th November 2011. Members of SSS-Global are very proud of this award and facilitated him by a Shawl at the hands of Sri RN Mital.

Narration of Anecdotes

After all the business hour, we moved over to something light and entertaining. T o encourage greater participation from the audience a game was conducted . The members were required to come and narrate a humorous or an embarrassing moment in their lives. Mr Mital. Dr Vyasamoorthy and Dr Vasunder Reddy were the judges. It had a n overwhelming response. Each incident was more hilarious than the other. Justice Rangarajan, Ms Mohini Moghe and Ms Sobha Perindevi were adjudged as best of the top three narrators and were given prizes. There wasn’t any who didn’t enjoy this part.

Fun and Entertainment

Kamaskshi organised a novel game of locating people with maximum number of buttons on their shirt, Most colorful flowers worn by a lady, maximum denominations of money with a person, One with a checked hanky and so on. So prizes were just distributed., like Santa Claus with his bag of goodies. People enjoyed it thoroughly. This was followed by a round of Tombola. All in all more than 22 prizes were distributed and was well appreciated. Thereafter, talented seniors sang, recited poems. Mr Bagade, Dr VBGK Moorthy, Dr Sashikala, Smt Chandrakala, Mr Sivaram sang melodious numbers and engaged the audience. M r Cheenu spoke and expressed his happiness of belonging to this group.

Olla Podrida

The vishakapatnam unit of SSS sent an SMS wishing us a great meet. Mrs Cheenu and Krishna Rao took photos. Through the efforts of Sri Sivaram, Karur Vysya Bank donated a sum of Rs 1500 and this was highly appreciated. Dr Vyasamoorthy expressed his gratitude for honoring him and thanked all participants for attending the meeting with a special mention of  Ms Jayanti, Ms Kamakshi and Mr Sivaram for tirelessly working and making this event a great success.  Ms Jayanthi Menon gave the vote of thanks. The program ended with a sumptuous Lunch.

===
  

Saturday, December 3, 2011


Why is the Jan Aushadhi Scheme an utter failure?

How it all began?

Union minister Sri Ram Vilas Paswan launched Jan Aushadhi Scheme in April 2008 with great fanfare. The objective was to make generic drugs available to poor at substantially lower prices than branded drugs which are almost unaffordable. Shops were opened in big hospital complexes, supply of drugs arranged from big manufacturers. The intention was to set up one Jan Aushadhi shop in each district head quarters. The table given below compares prices of branded drugs and generic ones of a few typical drugs:

Where are we now?
So far, 113 Jan Aushadhi Stores have been opened in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, NCT of Delhi & UT of Chandigarh. Sri Srikant Kumar Jena, Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers laments: “Since opening up of Jan Aushadhi Stores mainly depends upon the health policies followed by State Government, besides the support and cooperation they extend to open such stores, in the identification of agencies to manage such stores, allotment of space etc., it is difficult to prescribe any timeline for launching stores in the remaining States.”. The official website for Janaushadhi scheme http://janaushadhi.gov.in gives prices of some 320 essential medicines in generic form available in these shops. In reality, almost all shops set up so far, display empty shelves. In NIMS, Hyderabad the Jan Aushadhi shop always says No Stock, while a next door chemist has a roaring daily turn over of more than 4 lakhs!

Problems and issues:

All kinds of problems have cropped up: Shops have no stocks as already indicated. Doctors refuse to prescribe generics though they have been directed to do so, especially in the case of govt hospitals. IMA has advised that doctors need to prescribe generics only if so requested by patients or write out equivalents as a substitute. Hand in glove with manufacturers, doctors take their commission / cut and leave poor patients to be exploited, by prescribing only branded products. Competitors in trade threaten generic only shops to close down through unfair means. 

Supply chain from manufacturer to retailers is mismanaged; moreover the suppliers hitherto have only been large scale public sector companies who are so big that the requirements of a few Generic shops is peanuts for them and are not interested in doing business coming through Jan Aushadhi chain. Now Govt has started looking into Middle level players too.  Most importantly there is no awareness among public and doctors – Most doctors do not know what / how to prescribe generics! Many Doctors also harbor wrong belief that low priced medicines are useless, forgetting that the drugs are produced by reputed manufacturers  in the same factory adopting same methods and controls applicable both for branded ones as well for generic ones!. Another reason is that Health is in concurrent list – so many State governments have to co-operate for any scheme to be successful.

Andhra Pradesh holds out hope!

In the case of Andhra Pradesh, AP Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) is keenly interested in making availability of generics a reality. They plan to set up more than 175 generic shops under the brand “Jeevanadhara” through out the state. Reputed NGOs like Red Cross, Andhra Pradesh Senior Citizens Confederation (APSCCON) have been approached to implement the scheme. Govt would provide space, support for procuring drugs, publicity for shops opened under this plan. As there appears to be some political will to make it a success, there is every hope that Jeevanadhara would succeed. Let us wait and see.

================

Friday, December 2, 2011

IRDA - No exit age for health insurance

Please read  the part in block letters. Is this just an advice or a mandate? Is this a victory for us?
==============================================
Insurance for Senior CitizensDecember 02, 2011 The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the regulator in the insurance sector had constituted a Senior Citizens Committee in 2007. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the IRDA had instructed insurers in April, 2007 to allow entry in health insurance policy at least till 65 years of age. In August 2008, IRDA mandated establishment of a separate channel to address health insurance related grievances of senior citizens. Further, vide instructions issued in March, 2009, IRDA instructed that apart from the entry age of 65 years, the denial of health insurance to senior citizens on any grounds should be in writing with reasons furnished and recorded and the premium charged to senior citizens should be fair, justified and transparent and duly disclosed upfront. As the most recent initiative, Insurers to ensure that there is no exit age in the policy which ensures IRDA, while approving health insurance products, advises all general ithat no one is denied health insurance merely on grounds of age. 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to an Unstarred Question in Lok Sabha today. 
DSM/ Hb (Release ID :78114)


=======Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Have you signed up for sss-global 4th December meeting? Sweekaar Upkaar 4/12/2011 10.00 am


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Senior citizens taking classes at the University of Arkansas won't have to pay tuition

Senior citizens taking classes at the University of Arkansas won't
have to pay tuitionTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS  First Posted: November 30,
2011 - 5:11 amLast Updated: November 30, 2011 - 5:11 amFAYETTEVILLE,
Ark. — The University of Arkansas is giving a major break to people 60
years and older who want to go to college.

Officials announced Tuesday that residents in that age group can
enroll in credit courses at the school tuition free on a
space-available basis.
Crawford says some older students seek classes to complete a degree,
while others take courses that interest them.
Officials say college courses engage older learners in challenging and
intellectually stimulating programs.
Julie Crawford is the coordinator of senior citizen admissions for the
University of Arkansas. Crawford says some older students seek classes
to complete a degree, while others take courses that interest them.
Those wanting to return to the classroom must apply to the university
to ensure admission before the Jan. 13 registration period.
====Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Have you signed up for sss-global 4th December meeting? Sweekaar
Upkaar 4/12/2011 10.00 am

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Seven Dirty Tricks to Tease Auto Drivers


Seven Dirty Tricks to Tease an Auto Driver

 

Everyone knows that auto drivers are notorious. Not just in Hyderabad but anywhere in India. They misbehave in most unexpected ways, charge higher than the meter, never agree to go where you want and at times refuse to ply short distances. Here are some tips to wreak vengeance. You can practice these tricks and gain immense satisfaction of being one up above these smart guys.

 

1.      When you really do not require an auto, stop an empty auto and ask him if he would come to Timbuktu or any name of a locality that does not exist. When he asks "where is that?" ask him to find out for himself and leave quietly. You may also mention some really far off place that will tempt to say yes; when he says Chalo, you simply say you have changed your mind and you do not want to go there.

2.      When an auto driver quotes his exorbitant charges, simply tell him that you will only pay treble that amount. He will be perplexed for a few minutes and then you may tell him that you will pay that much only after three days. Then you say you want the auto on after three days. When he starts scolding you, you can also say: "You are a hypotenuse of a right angle triangle"; before he wonders what it means, just leave the place.

3.      You hire an auto for a destination that is much further away from your real destination but on the way. Most probably he would agree without any murmur. When your destination comes, ask him to stop at some building for a minute. Get out, go inside the building (pretend), come back and say: "the person whom I was going to meet has come to this building itself". Then excuse yourself and dismiss the auto paying only whatever is due correctly.

4.      You can do the above pretending to be talking to your friend on the mobile a few minutes before the actual destination and play the same trick. ("Say something like: I am reaching you in a few minutes.. Oh you are right now here ?.. Oh!! in … this XYZ building..?).

5.      Just as the driver keeps hinting for extra money before reaching the destination, you also keep saying that the meter is faulty, he is manipulating the meter, He is taking longer route etc. This will prevent him from asking for more while you get down.

6.      When you do not need any auto, simply stand nearby an auto stand and make a note of all Registration numbers of Autos. If somebody asks, you simply say it is your hobby.

7.      Sometimes you may be able to identify and spot a constantly erring auto driver. In such instances, if a friend is with you, simply point your finger at the driver and pretend as you are passing some (bad) remarks about him. He may grow suspicious but can not do anything in retaliation. 


Awareness Workshop on Reverse Mortgage

HelpAge conducts Awareness program on Reverse Mortgage Loans (RML)

There was an awareness workshop conducted by HelpAge Hyderabad in Belson Taj on 30th November 2011. Sri Ch Parameshawar Reddy, President of APSCCON; Dr Rao Chelikani Hon President of FAPSCO;  Sri S Dass Regional Head, HelpAge, Hyderabad; Sri Harwinder Bakshi, Director HelpAge Delhi; Sri Rajmohan Managing Director NHB were on the dais.

Sri Prabhu from NHB gave a PowerPoint presentation on basics of RML and RMLeA, overview, eligibility, purpose, differences between RML and RMLeA, likely (typical) sums that can be expected as monthly loan for different age groups etc were explained. Many doubts were clarified with this presentation alone. Limitations of RML and how they have been removed in RMLeA were made clear.

Sri Parameshwar Reddy mentioned that the initial charges by way of Service charge, processing fee registration charges etc amounted a big sum and ways to reduce this burden must be explored. Sri Rao Chelikani said the mindset of seniors must change: most people would rather suffer financially rather than ask their children to  redeem the house property by clearing any loan taken by them. He also spoke about the system prevalent in European countries where a notary brings the owner of the house (senior citizen) and the buyer together without an intermediary like a bank. The owner and buyer enter into an agreement – buyer gives a loan in monthly installments and agrees to take possession of the property after the demise of the owner. Such an agreement is registered by the notary who verifies all the documents and a permanent record is kept.  As the intermediary is absent, both buyer and seller benefit. Sri Harvinder Bakshi limited himself to talking about advocacy efforts of HelpAge especially in the areas like  NPOP, Financial schemes for elders, MWPSCA etc. There were many doubts and suggestions from the audience, fielded effectively by the chief guest Sri Rajmohan from NHB He clarified the role of NHB and said that they have no direct control over administrative matters of banks offering RML products. He agreed to a suggestion that as banks are by far apathetic and insensitive to elders' requirements, more Housing Finance Institutions may be encouraged to enter the arena.  He also received a list of suggestions sent by the president of AISCCON for probable positive action. It was comforting to learn that NHB conducts sensitization programs for banks also. As RMLeA monthly pay outs in fact annuity payments, Income Tax on it can not be avoided as of now. IF NHB succeeds in removing this major hurdle, everyone would opt for RMLeA only.

I liked the program for its uptodate content, clarifications offered and of course for the tasty high-tea.
Even in the Elders Mela conducted recently in Hyderabad, stalls offering RMLeA were misleading visitors saying that no income Tax will be levied on monthly pay outs! Under such circumstances, seminars like these are most useful and essential. Some important phone numbers are: Sri Lakshiminarayana 9885833236; Arunodayakunar 9849411141; NHB Helpline 1800 115 432 ; Harmony HelLine: 1800 100 1111; hYderabad RML Helpline: 94412 84866.

Sri C Satyanarayana, Counselor handling RLM HelpDesk in HelpAge Hyderabad proposed a vote of Thanks.

 ====
Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/


Rajasthan Committee to implement MWPSCA

Panel formed for welfare of elderly

TNN Oct 21, 2010, 05.10am IST

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government on Wednesday constituted a state
coordination committee for effective execution of the Act that guards
parents' rights against their ungrateful children. Earlier this year,
the government had framed rules under the Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, that contains stringent
provisions to tackle instances of neglect of aging parents and senior
citizens.

The state-level committee now constituted will advise the state
government on proper execution of the Act's provisions and will be
responsible for implementation of the decisions taken by the
government for welfare of parents and senior citizens. The committee
is to be headed by an officer of the rank of additional chief
secretary and will have the commissioner or the director of the social
justice and empowerment department as its member secretary.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/jaipur/28214069_1_parents-and-senior-citizens-maintenance-tribunals-age-homes

====
Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Have you signed up for sss-global 4th December meeting? Sweekaar
Upkaar 4/12/2011 10.00 am

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Meethe Baatein program by Sanofi & Harmony Foundation


Diabetes Awareness Program by Harmony Foundation:

 

An interactive program on Diabetes awareness, aptly called Meethi Baatein,  was conducted by Harmony for Silvers Foundation and Sanofi Aventis at Lions Bhavan on 29th November. Our Association collaborated with them in posting invitations, informing local SCAs, providing publicity, arranging the venue, caterers, photographer etc. Nearly 80 senior citizens turned up.


The program consisted of many rounds of simple quizzes ( in Kaun bAnega Crorepathi style) relating to old Bollywood movies, old Hindi songs, simple questions about diabetes and an expert talk (presentation) on basics of the disease. The emphasis was on how to live and manage life successfully despite diabetes by suitable mix of exercises, medicines and proper diet control. There were also brief presentations by four "Champions"  who have managed to lead a normal life by keeping the disease under control. Organizers were liberal in giving away many small prizes for answering questions or for singing. Ms Kamakshi was luckiest to bag four prizes. 


There was a short film on Sanofi too. There was sumptuous high tea to tackle before participants dispersed. The meeting was enjoyed by all, not only for its highly informative content but also for its fun component. The exuberant anchor and most satisfying Q&A session are unforgettable features. What I personally found intriguing was the absence any 

marketing pitch during entire show.  


===

 



Monday, November 28, 2011

Isha Kriya Launch

It is Isha, Isha Everywhere!

Isha Foundation founded by Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev is introducing a new simple but powerful meditation technique called Isha Kriya. As a part of launching activity they are distributing some thirty lakh DVDs in many major metros in India. DVDs are given FREE.

Isha Kriya is very simple to learn. If you can normally breath you can do it. If you can talk to yourself you can do it. IF you can utter the very first sound you learnt as a child -- Aaa -- you can do it. All that is required is commitment on your part for some 15 minutes daily. Unlike some other meditation systems this does not require any "Initiation"  by a preceptor / guru / or his trained representative. There are no dietary restrictions.The process  brought to you via DVD goes beyond Caste, Creed or religion. If this Isha Kriya is practiced by anyone he would become loving, joyful and peaceful human being.

As Sadguru says this is a part of his ways of giving at least one drop of spirituality for millions on people. You can download instructions and see a demo video in www.ishafoundation.org
Better still get a DVD from a nearby pick up point in your city. It is also distributed through malls super bazars, colleges, clubs, associations, libraries etc. 

If you have any problems I will try to help you get a DVD.

Vyasamoorthy 9490804278



Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sneha Sandhya superbly conducts Senior Citizens Meet - AISCCON 11th Conference


Here are some of my observations on the 11th National AISCCON CONFERENCE that concluded in Visakapatnam. These relate to stay, transport, food, hospitality etc. A separate note on contents of five technical sessions may be seen elsewhere.
================

Accommodation was very good, despite the fact that delegates were dispersed in ten different hotels or lodges. Everyone was satisfied. Food was tasty catering to both Chappathi wallahs and Rice wallahs. There was variety, sweets, enough for all. Despite 1500 persons had to be served in about an hour's time, there was not much over crowding - thanks to four counters spread sufficiently far away from each other. Transport was comfortable and timely. Everything was done in a very professional way. Even the name  badges wore a rich look. Mementos to speakers were personalized and cute.

Dr Raju did a splendid job of maintaining all info about participants in a database. The compere (master of ceremonies) did a superb job, doubling herself as a moderator when speakers lost themselves in the charm of their own voices. The stage / dais were decorated as if it was a marriage function. Seats for different groups Guests, Dignitaries, Press, Reception committee members, others etc were marked with seat covers of different style and color. Even name badges / ribbons were color coded. The theater itself was amidst green scenario with good walking paths.

Some delegates who attended 2010 Mathura conference took a vow that they will never attend another AISCCON conference. But they took a brave step to come to Visakapatnam. Even these persons felt the immense difference and returned home highly satisfied.  The multi color souvenir that was replete with some 44 pages of advertisements (50% of pages) (speaking of their fund raising capabilities) was distributed against coupon embedded with Food coupons!

Hats off to Sneha Sandhya who boldly set out to make a difference and succeeded in it. I fully agree with DN Chapke (Secretary General of AISCCON) when he says: "This by far is the best Annual conference AISCCON has seen". And, I am certain it will not be easy for any other (future) host to surpass this feat.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Books at your doorstep for senior citizens - supatha - Hyderabad

Following message is self explanatory.
New service for senior citizens.
=========================

Dear Sri Visweswarayya garu
Re : Unique Service for Senior Citizens
We are happy to inform you that we have stated a new service "Book At
Your Doorstep",primarily for the benefit of senior citizens.As you
know very well bookreading habit , though declined,of late, among
younger ones , is very much active among the veterans.Many of them
find it difficult to get a book of their choice , as the bookshops are
far away and the transport costs may be more than the actual cost of
the book.Even if they can afford it , many of them may not like to
take the physical strain.It may be difficult to find  someone who can
get the book for them.Moreover it may not be easy to know which book
is available in which shop and where it is located.This is a major
problem faced by  many an elder  and we have an easy solution to
offer.Supatha is a unit of Durga Publications and it is going to
launch newly, a website www.supatha.in  which has about 1000 books
mainly in Telugu and also in English ( and other languages in due
course.).This is a sort of writers' cooperative to promote books and
benefit writers and small publishers.Books can be purchased online
with credit/debit card/or through net banking.Besides the online
service, we have launched the innovative "Book At Your
Doorstep"service.We have   hundreds of titlescomprising of
Devotional,Spiritual,Fiction,Health,Yoga,Humour,Current
AffairsPoetry,Literary Criticism,History,Travel  ,Films ,Musc,Folk
Arts, Entertainment,Classics,Politics ,Astrology etc.etc..In fact the
entire publications of Ramkrshna Math are available with us. All one
has to do is call us directly on any of the phone numbers given below
and we shall send our representative to their place to render the
necessary assistance.The price of the book is to be paid only after
delivery and  to whoever delivers the book in the next 2 or 3
days.Books can also be ordered to be delivered to the loved ones
wherever they are .
Even if the desired book is not available with us we shall make every
effort to get it from the market and deliver to the customer on a
nominal service charge.There are several other  features  in our
service,which we shall be too happy to explain to whoever is
interested.We can be reached  any day between11 AM and 8 PM. For any
kind of assistance over any of these phone numbers:040-27632824, 94412
57963,9441300326 .We can also be contacted at: info@supatha.in ,
durgapublications@gmail.com . We  request you to inform all your
members about this useful Service.We shall be happy to meet you  at
your convenience in this regard ,and also give a powerpoint
presentation in any of your meetings.kindly contact any of the
undersigned for any information or clarification.we look forward to
hearing your suggestions on how we can improve our service still
better.
RegardsPallavi MarthiCEO
Phone: 9441300326

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Reconsider move to shut old age home

The reason for decision of BHEL to shut down OAH, merely on account of
their CSR policy is anachronistic, in my view. MPSHRC should be
appreciated. Read on ...Vyasamoorthy
========================

'Reconsider move to shut old age home'TNN | Nov 18, 2011, 12.39PM IST

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC), on Thursday,
asked the public sector giant Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
to withhold its move to shut down Anand Dham, an old-age home,
functioning for the last four years.
BHEL had earlier asked eight aged persons, residing at the old age
home, to vacate it by Wednesday, following which MPHRC took
cognizance. The management submitted before the commission that old
age home was initially established under the policy of corporate
social responsibility but later it received a communication from the
corporate office that CSR policy doesn't permit running old age homes
for those retired from the BHEL.
The MPHRC asked the BHEL authorities to make some amendments in its
CSR policies so that those who are aged and abandoned by the children
could lead a peaceful life. Even elderly people, who are not
dependents of the BHEL employees, should be allowed to stay at Anand
Dham. The commission has granted three months' time to BHEL to
implement its recommendations. Meanwhile, a city-based old age home
has come forward to take the responsibility of those staying at Anand
Dham, if the old age home is closed.

=============

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 17, 2011

PENSION TO BE DISBURSE$D ON DOORSTEP - Haryana shows the way


Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Who amongst us will be the first to send a thank you note to APSRTC?

Pension to be disbursed on doorstep 
Bhanu P. Lohumi
Tribune News Service

Karnal, November 16
The Haryana Government that started the system of payment of old-age and widow pension through banks to ensure timely payment of pension has gone a step further to facilitate the pensioners by tying up with the banks to make payments on the doorstep of the payee.

Under the new scheme, the pension will be deposited in the account of the pensioner before the 10th of every month and the representatives of the bank will go to the village themselves and distribute the amount on the doorstep of the pensioner.

The bank will also pay interest on the amount kept in the bank and a Customer Service Centre will be opened for every 700 pensioners where a representative will be present on all working days except Sundays and holidays, District Social Welfare Officer Baljit Singh said.

He said applications had been invited for registering new beneficiaries under the pension scheme and urged all eligible persons to submit their applications by November 30.

Persons above the age of 60 years and with an annual income below Rs 50,000 are eligible for pension, he added. The applications along with birth certificates, ration cards or voter cards will be received in the office of the Block Development and Panchayat officer concerned. 

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111117/haryana.html.
-- 

Sent by:

V.RAGHAVENDRARAO,

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

National Workshop on Volunteering Rewa 7th & 8th Jan 2012

NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON VOLUNTEERISM                    2011, REWA ,MADHYA PRADESH,INDIA

 

"Find the Volunteer in You"

Venue:       Awadhesh Pratap Singh University,

Sirmour Road, Rewa (M.P.), India.

 

Date :- 7th & 8th January 2012

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Delegate Information: Salutation (please tick one):

Dr.[   ]  Prof.[   ]  Mr.[   ]   Mrs.[   ]  Mdm.[   ]  Ms.[   ]  Others [   ]

First Name _________________ Last Name ___________________

Name to appear on Badge ________________Date of Birth_______

Name of City / Country         ________________________________

Mailing Address__________________________________________

Contact Numbers: Tel./Fax ____________ Mobile phone__________

Email Address ___________________________________________

Accommodation Required                       Yes/No (If No Pay Rs. 500)

Kindly register me for the workshop.

Payment for the Workshop of j__________ being sent through Electronic transfer to: Indian Red Cross Society, Rewa S.B.I. A/c No 10989872224 (Branch Code) 0468 (IFS Code : SBIN0000468) Or by DD payable to 'The Honorary Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, District Branch -REWA (M.P.) Mailing Address: Red Cross Bhawan, Behind Gupta Petrol Pump, Jhiriya , N.H.7 , Rewa (M.P.) India 486001.

  __________________________                                                 _________________

   Signature of Delegate                                                            Date

 

The closing date for registration is: 30th November 2011

 

Workshop Fee* per delegate is:  

                                              

 Registration Fee *

 

1000.00 Per delegates.

 

 1800.00 For delegate with spouse.

 

500.00 For Life Member of Indian Red Cross Society, Dist. Branch - Rewa (M.P.)

 

The workshop fee per delegate includes:   

- Workshop Kit with badge and Workshop materials.                               - Participation in 'Cultural Events'.

- Admission to all plenary and workshop sessions.

- Breakfast, coffee/tea and lunch and dinner on workshop dates.

- Lodging on a sharing basis, for outside participants.

 

Terms and Conditions

 

1.       Participants will be notified of their confirmed registration via email.  Only upon receipt of full payment. Please indicate your email Address clearly in this Registration Form.

2.       Full payment of fees must be received by 30th November 2011.

3.       No refunds can be made for confirmed and paid registrations.

4.       Registrations are not transferable.

5.       Lodging on a sharing basis, for outside participants.

6.       The organizer reserves the right to refuse entry if full payment is

          Not received before the payment deadline.

7.       For enquiries, please contact National Workshop on Volunteerism      Organizing Secretariat at:

redcrossrewa@rediffmail.com, redcrossrewa@gmail.com

8.       The Conference will be conducted in English Language.

9.       Participants are requested to make their own too and fro travel      reservation.

 

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Who amongst us will be the first to send a thank you note to APSRTC?


Sunday, November 13, 2011

DIGNITY FIRST AND LAST - Sheilu Sreenivasan Interviewed by The Hindu

I am very happy to include this interview.

She has truly impacted the lives of Several thousands of Senior citizens .
Sheilu is making a change and making waves.

Vyasamoorthy

Dignity first and last


Sheilu Sreenivasan.
Sheilu Sreenivasan.

Her work with the elderly is note-worthy. Sheilu Sreenivasan's initiatives, which ensure the old are safe and provided for, are commendable.

With the 21st century having been designated the century of elderly persons, (the 22nd century incidentally will be the century of the "ageing of the aged") and population ageing, being one of the most important global trends of our times, the efforts of social change makers like Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan, founder president, Dignity Foundation and Dignity Lifestyle Retirement Township, to help the elderly lead fulfilling and productive lives, pursue rewarding second careers, while not compromising on their independence or dignity, assume great significance and import.

Says Sheilu Sreenivasan, "The sharp rise in human life expectancy over the years has resulted not only in a very substantial increase in the number of older persons but in a major shift in the age groups of 80 and above. The demographic profile depicts that in the years 2000-2050, the overall population in India will grow by 55 per cent whereas population of people in the age bracket 60 years and above will increase by 326 per cent and those in the age group of 80 plus by 700 per cent — the fastest growing group. Incidentally 1/8th of the World's Elderly Population lives in India."

While the numbers are staggering, the problems are equally wide ranging. Listing out the many challenges faced, Sheilu Sreenivasan adds, "As a result of the current ageing scenario, there is a need for all aspects of care for the Oldest Old (80 plus years) namely, socio economic, financial, health and shelter. Problems in any of these areas have an impact on the quality of life in old age. Most elders will never retire in the usual sense of the term and will continue to work and earn as long as physically possible. The ability to do so will inevitably decline with age and the concomitant absence of savings and financial insecurity will result in a sharp fall in living standards that for many can mean destitution in the evening of their lives. The increase in life span also results in chronic functional disabilities, creating a need for assistance required by the Oldest Old to manage simple, day-to-day chores."

Pointing to the urgent need for the Government to step up efforts for any perceptible change, Sheilu says, "Today the 97 million people in India in the 60 plus age bracket continue to be ignored by the Government by and large, though lip service is being paid both at the Central and State levels. Policies are being announced, and or being contemplated, probably even in good faith. But until and unless implemented at the State level, people are not going to experience any change in the quality of life after retirement. For example, mid-day meals for BPL elderly are a necessity, but how leak-proof a system can we evolve, so rations are not siphoned off by the middlemen. Healthcare and shelter are the other main need areas for the BPL majority who number 60 million. For the middle income retirees, jobs and opportunities for productive occupation, at least till one is 70 or 75 years old, robust health insurance schemes, recreational spaces for daily interaction and networking are the areas of vital importance. NGOs can only do so much. But much of their work has to be advocacy-based to push both the business and government sectors to service the elderly segment."

Compassionate and empathetic, Sheilu was given to speaking her mind fearlessly and protesting against discrimination and cruelty of any kind to any being — animal or human — even as a child. Among the people who inspired her early on were the nuns in her convent school.

Her taking to the cause of the elderly was more of an accident. "While I was working at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, I had elders walking into my department, most of them rather depressed, weighed and bent down with the "burden of ageing"! Disenchanted with university restraints on creativity and implementing practical solutions in the field, I started looking out for alternatives at work. It occurred to me that this is a niche area no one was working for. But for my academic training in Social Work with Psychiatric specialisation, (she holds a Doctorate in Sociology) I would never have been able to situate ageing in the context of human development and social structure. That enabled me to facilitate adoption of newer practices in a field where there is no precedent. Social work is after all about rendering help to people."

Her publishing background (which includes a seven-year stint as Corporate Manager Macmillan India, besides rich experience gained as the Head of Publishing Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai and the study of university publishing with Simon and Schuster England) gave her a head-start and she went about the launch of a "voice box" for senior citizens — the magazine Dignity Dialogue in 1995 — the first initiative of Dignity Foundation (headquartered in Mumbai). "That turned out to be a boon, as it served to spark off a meaningful dialogue on the meaning and purpose of life after retirement. I was under the impression that the publication of this magazine was going to be my sole career. Little did I realise that Dignity Dialogue was going to open the floodgates. Four months after I released the first issue, senior citizens in hundreds responded and highlighted the need for a variety of services. One by one, Dignity Foundation came up with a battery of services that now numbers 24."

From Dignity second careers to Dignity Dementia care to Security with Dignity, a network of protection to elders who live alone, to Dignity Enrichment Centre to Dignity on Wheels (transport for elder poor in Mumbai) to Dignity Helpline (support for victims of elder abuse) and Loneliness Mitigation project to Dignity Homes and Lifestyle townships, Dignity Foundation came up with solutions to many of the problems faced by elders.

Quick to realise that cases of elder abuse were on the rise in Mumbai, Sheilu also launched the much-needed Dignity Helpline. As if to corroborate her findings there was a spate of crimes against elders in the metro. Today Dignity Foundation has help lines in five cities Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai and Kolkata to prevent elder abuse and about 300 cases are handled every month. Besides immediate rescue and protection from physical violence, assistance during medical emergencies and in the face of personal threats, easy access to police and lawyers to mediate and arrive at out-of-court settlements and other experts who offer psychological and emotional support, help to address this issue.

Does the younger generation need to be sensitised to the problems and feelings of the elderly? "The majority of the young do care. It is only the lack of time at their disposal that is the villain of the aching stories of the elderly. Also today our educational curriculum no longer includes simple 'moral' education classes, wherein values such as respect and concern for the elderly are imparted to children. With lifestyles changing totally and the disappearance of the joint family many children do not spend any quality time with their grandparents." Holidays are now at exotic locations with parents and not to the villages or small towns where grand parents live. I don't see any possibility for change in this area. Things will only become more distant between children and parents. To most secure senior citizens lack of children's attention and care is at the root of depression which gets exacerbated with illness and physical impairments. Property issues surely and crudely do raise their ugly head, and the richer the family the deeper the animosity, and expectation for the transfer of property in the children's names," observes Sheilu.

Ask her for her take on homes for the elderly and her answer is crystal clear.

Homes for the aged

"Retirement homes are the need of the day and secure havens for those who can afford them. Not all are expensive from the point of middle income retirees who are better off in a retirement home rather than fending for themselves in their own homes. In old age one yearns for the dignity and self-esteem that comes from holding one's head high, independent of the children. The negative imagery about ashrams for destitute widows and the dying has given way to independent living without dependence on a city's inadequate elder-friendly infrastructure — whether it is transportation, geriatric wards, trustworthy medical and legal professionals, domestic help etc. No longer can parents hang on to traditional values of children being responsible for taking care of the aged. This is a social reality that has to be accepted." Homes for the lower income retirees are a challenge I have given unto myself. After the success of Dignity Lifestyle Retirement Township for the better off, it is now my mission to establish workable models for lower income retirees."

What would Sheilu like to say going forward?

"NGOs like Dignity Foundation have to engage themselves in advocacy work. They should serve as unofficial think tanks for the Government to usher in social change. Even if there are hundreds of us working for the cause of this most neglected segment, it will not suffice. We have to move the Government. Innovation is at our command, not the Government's. The onus of creative strategies to change the quality of life for the 97 million people who are 60 plus is solely on us as civil society. We have the experience of working at the grassroots; not the Government. Harnessing the wisdom and energies of retired population is a challenge that we have to address in the coming years ahead, when India will no longer have the demographic (youth) dividend."

-- http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article2611893.ece

Sent by:
V.RAGHAVENDRARAO,

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Lost something in an Airport? Check here first!

Do you travel frequently? If you have doubts that you lost something and it was left in an  airport, then please check the link given below. Comprehensive reporting by CISF ! I was always under the impression (whenever I cross CISF building on my way to Shamirpet, which I did everyday for 4 years) that CISF is a useless wing of the government. Prejudice, prejudice! Thanks to Justice Rangarajan for the link and info.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rangarajan T.N.C. <tncrangarajan@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 8:21 AM
Subject: [sss-global] CISF
To:

Just enter the airport and date at the left and see the list of items left behind by passengers. CISF is just facilitating the passengers to locate their lost items.The items shown here have been handed over to concerned Airport Operator. CISF is not responsible in case an item could not be retrieved.
Link: http://cisf.gov.in/ (sent via Shareaholic) ----

=============

INTEREST RATES ON POST OFFICE SAVINGS SCHEMES GO UP

Interest rates on post office savings schemes go up

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

In a bid to lure millions of small savers across the country who had exited the National Small Savings (NSS) schemes in pursuit of higher returns, the Union Government on Friday raised the interest rates on Post Office Savings Account (POSA), Time Deposit Schemes of various tenures, Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

To be notified soon

According to a Union Finance Ministry statement, the interest rate on POSA stands increased to 4 per cent from 3.5 per cent for the current fiscal while deposits in schemes such as MIS and PPF will fetch attractive returns of 8.2 per cent and 8.6 per cent respectively, as compared to the existing rates of 8 per cent.While all time maturities will fetch significantly better returns by way of higher interest rates than hitherto, the biggest gainer is set to be the one-year fixed deposit scheme with its interest rate pegged at 7.7 per cent as compared to the prevailing 6.25 per cent.

As per the decision approved by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the new rates are to be made applicable from the date of notification to be announced soon.

The move to make the small savings schemes more attractive and align them with current market rates is in line with the recommendations of the Shyamala Gopinath Committee which was set up to look into the matter at the advice of the 13th Finance Commission.

Alongside, however, the Government has decided to discontinue the Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) scheme.

New NSC instrument

It has also reduced the maturity period for the MIS and National Savings Certificate (NSC) schemes to five years from the existing six years and has introduced a new 10-year NSC instrument with its interest rate pegged at 8.7%.

Another bonanza for small savers is that the annual investment ceiling in PPF savings accounts has been raised to Rs. 1 lakh from the current limit of Rs. 70,000.

At the same time, what may irk investors is that loans against such savings would be at a higher interest rate of 2 per cent as against 1 per cent at present. The Government has also scrapped the 5 per cent bonus on maturity of MIS schemes and abolished the commission for agents on PPF and Senior Citizens Savings Schemes.


  • Interest rate on Post Office Saving Account up to 4% from 3.5%
  • Rate on MIS and PPF raised to 8.2% and 8.6% respectively


  • Sent by 
    V.RAGHAVENDRARAO,