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) ----

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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,

    Thursday, November 10, 2011

    APSRTC offers 25% concession to senior citizens

    For next issue of Aisccon News
    Deccan Chronicle. 9/11/2011 p3
    =======================
    APSRTC offers sops to Senior Citizens

    The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has decided to give 25 percent concession to senior citizens in all its bus services.

    The corporation would also procure 4000 new buses by March 2012, Chairman M.

    Satyanarayana said at a board meeting held on Tuesday at Bus Bhavan.

    He said that the corporation had resolved to provide 50 percent concession to retired employees and their families, on all services.

    He said that an additional over-bridgewould be built from Rangmahal near Chaderghat to the bus station at a cost of Rs 9 crore to ease traffic congestion at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus station.

    The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) would provide free cellphones to all employees, and better toilets facilities at a cost of Rs 3 crore, he added. It was also decided to provide more floors at the Tarnaka hospital and better medical facilities for workers.

    APSRTC Managing Director B. Prasada Rao, other board directors and NMU working president Nageswara Rao were present at the meeting.Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

    Tip for conquering Constipation: While in the toilet, rub briskly the outsides of your legs with palms, simultaneously. A quick download is certain.

    Friday, November 4, 2011

    NEW NATIONAL POLICY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS COMING SOON

    Heartening to note many positive points including Ration for all BPL seniors, separate department, more OAP for the disabled etc.

    New national policy for senior citizens coming

    SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
    SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  

    A new National Policy on Older Persons, incorporating a range of welfare measures and an institutional framework for effective implementation, is expected to be unveiled soon.

    The policy will be based mostly on the Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 headed by V. Mohini Giri, Union Minister for Social Justice & Social Welfare Mukul Wasnik said on Wednesday. He was presiding over a meeting of the National Council for Older Persons here. As of now, the policy announced in 1999 is in vogue.

    The Dr. Giri committee recommendations include extension of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme to all senior citizens living Below the Poverty Line and enhancing the monthly pension to Rs.1,000, to be revised at intervals to prevent its deflation due to higher cost of purchase.

    Senior citizens would be given an additional pension in case of disability and loss of adult children. The Public Distribution system would reach out to all BPL senior citizens.

    Taxation policies would reflect sensitivity to the senior citizens' financial problems which are aggravated by very high costs of medical and nursing care, transportation and support services needed at homes.

    The draft policy envisages the Ministry establishing a "Department of Senior Citizens," which will be the nodal agency for implementing programmes and services, and the National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011. Besides, a national commission for senior citizens at the Centre and similar bodies at the State level will be constituted. At Wednesday's meeting, the council members, emphasised the need for an effective implementation mechanism. They also felt the need for generation of awareness of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 at the State and grass-roots levels, according to a Ministry statement.

    http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2595711.ece




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    V.RAGHAVENDRARAO,




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    Thursday, November 3, 2011

    CONCESSION IN BUS FARES FOR MALE SENIOR CITIZENS TOO -demanded

    Senior citizens for concession in bus fares on women's pattern,

    Tribune News Service

    Karnal, November 2
    The Senior Citizens Council Haryana (SCCH) yesterday demanded 50 per cent concession in Haryana Roadways buses for men also and said the government was discriminating between men and women senior citizens by allowing the facility only to women.

    The council, with representation in 20 districts in the state, also expressed its resentment over the non-implementation of the "Maintenance of Parents Act 2007" and said that the said Act was passed and notified in 2007, but no tribunal has so far been formed in any district.

    The council members were peeved that several demands made by them in the past had not even been acknowledged and there was no response from the authorities concerned. A letter was also sent to the Health Minister, Rao Narender Singh, demanding cashless treatment of Haryana pensioners on the pattern of the Central Government where the credit base facility is available, coordinator of the council JR Kalra said.

    The members also requested the Health Minister to set up a CGH dispensary in Sonepat on the pattern of Gurgaon and Faridabad as this facility was necessary in view of the increasing day-to-day illnesses and long-term diseases among senior citizens.

    The council complained that even after the government had provided the funds and various provisions to help the old, senior citizens were suffering due to an "insensitive and non-responsive" attitude of the authorities.

    Kalra said that exclusive police helplines to assist the senior citizens in case of an emergency were non-existent in most of the districts.

    --
    Sent by
    V.RAGHAVENDRARAO,



    Wednesday, November 2, 2011

    NCOP Meeting on 2nd November 2011

    NCOP Meeting on 2nd November 2011

    The eighth meeting of the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP), the highest body of senior citizens to monitor implementation of National Policy and programmes/policies of Government for welfare of senior citizens as well as to advise Govt. on various issues pertaining to senior citizens, was held here today under the Chairmanship of Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Mukul Wasnik.

    The Council comprise of 50 members which include senior citizens of eminence in the country, concerned Ministries/Departments of Central Government and representatives of 5 States/UTs.

    Some of the important agenda items discussed in the meeting are:

    (i) Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 of Smt (Dr) V. Mohini Giri's Committee
    (ii) Review of Progress of Implementation of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 in various States/UTs
    (iii) National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
    (iv) Other emerging issues relating to senior citizens.

    Council members while broadly supporting the draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 has however, emphasised the need for effective implementation mechanism of the policy and also desired that the new Policy be finalised at the earliest. Members also felt the need for massive awareness generation about the various provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 at the State and grassroots level.

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman of the NCOP in his concluding remarks assured that the views/suggestions submitted by the members on draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 would be incorporated in the final Policy as far as possible. The Minister also agreed to the suggestion for a time bound action plan for finalisation of the new National Policy on Senior Citizens. He further emphasised that massive awareness generation programme needs to be undertaken among the general public and the officials concerned with the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Shri Wasnik also expressed the need for further expansion of the programmes conducted by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) in order to cater the increasing demand for caregivers. He also informed that a new scheme of National Awards for eminent senior citizens and institutions working in the field of ageing would be formulated shortly.

    ***