Senior Citizens to Write to Manmohan

Senior Citizens to Write to Manmohan

Hyderabad: Senior Citizens will send post cards to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on 16th August as a part of the National Protest Day to be observed to express their resentment towards the government for its negligent attitude. This decision was taken at a meeting of the JAC meeting of he The Stetate senior citizens confederation here on Thursday. - Special Correspondent. The Hindu dated 24/7/2010 p 6

Chhattisgarh Tourism Dept offers 50% concession to senior itizens

Chhattisgarh wooing senior citizen tourists

Raipur, July 26 (2010) – Senior citizen tourists in Chhattisgarh will get 50 percent concession if they stay in state government-run hotels, a statement said Monday.

'There will be a flat 50 percent concession in room rent for senior citizens staying in hotels, motels and guest houses run by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB),' a government release said.

It added that senior citizens have to produce their photo-identity cards such as voter I-card, driving licence or passport as proof of age.

IANS

----------\

http://www.indiatalkies.com/2010/07/chhattisgarh-wooing-senior-citizen-tourists.html

If you come to know of any such discount / concession news please let me know. Thanks

Senior citizens plan to stand up for their rights

This blog post from TISS talks of our Senior Citizens National Protest Day.
Mentions (Quotes) yours truly!

 

 

Sent to you by vyasamoorthy via Google Reader:

 

 

Senior citizens plan to stand up for their rights

via CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING, TISS, MUMBAI by CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING, TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES on 7/3/10

Senior citizens plan to stand up for their rights


July 1st, 2010


Dismayed by red tape and upset with the tardy implementation of a government policy concerning them, India's senior citizens are planning a nationwide agitation a day after Independence Day.

The protest will put forward their demands for concessions in essential services, health cover, higher return on their investments with an in-built compensation mechanism for the increase in the cost of living, dwindling interest rates, and proper implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999, passed as The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens' Act in 2007.

The last census in 2001 put the number of senior citizens aged more than 60 years at 7.7 crore. The number is slated to grow substantially with better quality of life and improved medical services — at least in the urban areas.

The latest trigger for the protests, which begin on August 16, is the nonchalant attitude of policymakers towards them, says Dr P Vyasamoorthy, Joint Coordinator, Joint Action Committee for Senior Citizens National Protest Day. "Only three states have implemented the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens' Act so far," says Vyasamoorthy. "The government had appointed a review Committee to look into the policy. The major problem lies in its implementation," he adds.

The review panel, formed in January 2010 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was asked to draft a new policy for the elderly in view of India's emerging demographic, socio-economic and technology trends. "The existing policy has some loopholes that need to be plugged. The task is to reach a policy that works today as well as 50 years from now," says Mathew Cherian, CEO, Help Age India.

A senior official of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said that the panel was given a six-month extension in May. To speed things up, four sub-committees on issues concerning the elderly have been formed and the report could be submitted to the government by October 2010.

The subcommittees will examine issues that concern senior citizens including their security and health needs, particularly those of women. "The committee is working on a policy that involves the creation of geriatric wards in all hospitals and a statutory body with the powers of a judicial court to deal with matters related to the elderly including specialised training to sensitise the police towards the elderly," said the official.

 

 

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Bus Concessions to Senior Citizens in various States

Bus concessions for Senior citizens in various States

(as of Oct 2009)

City / State	Details of Concession	Remarks
Bangalore	10% on all Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation monthly passes. With this, the actual rate to be charged from senior citizens for city category passes will come down from Rs. 360 to Rs. 325; in suburban category from Rs. 495 to Rs. 445 and for Pushpak buses Rs. 530 to Rs. 475, Minister for Transport N. Cheluvarayaswamy told presspersons here on Friday. The decision would cost the State exchequer Rs. 2 crore a year, he added. Only senior citizens who are 65 and above are eligible for the concession. Citizens have to obtain a senior citizen identity card from BMTC by paying Rs. 30 along with two latest stamp-size photographs to enable the renewal of monthly pass at concessional rates. Also gives 25% on KSRTC routes for senior citizens (65 and above)	The citizens have to produce ration card/SSLC marks card/driving licence/age proof certificate issued by district surgeon for ascertaining the age of the applicant or senior citizen identity card issued by the Department of Women and Child welfare.
Delhi	DTC gives concessional rate passes to senior citizens over the age of 65 years. To avail this concession, a certificate of age, a photograph and proof of residence is required. The rates are as follows: Destination Pass Rs. 50 All Route Pass Rs. 125 General all Route Pass Rs. 150 In every DTC bus two seats are reserved for senior citizens.	www.delhigovt.nic.in   Two seats reseved
Maharashtra	BEST buses in Mumbai offer no concessions.  However senior citizens can enter the bus from the front side. MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses provide 50% concession if a person is 65 years and above and has an election identity card or a Tehsildar certificate. Local trains in Mumbai have around 8-10 seats for the senior citizens in only one of the compartments.
Chandigarh.	Senior citizens pass holders get 50% travel concession for traveling in city buses in Chandigarh.
Goa	Kadamba transport coorporation (K.T.C.) provides 5% reservation of seats in. bus for senior citizens.	Two seats reserved
Haryana	50% bus fare concession for women above 60
Punjab	Elderly women above 60 years enjoy free travel in Punjab
Himachal Pradesh	Smart Card Scheme. HRTC has introduced "SMART CARD". Under this scheme, a smart card holder is allowed 10% concession in fare for travelling in HRTC buses. The senior citizen as a special gesture is allowed 20% concession in fare. The general public can purchase the smart card against a payment of Rs. 50/- having its validity for one year.
Kerala	Free passes are provided to old people who are freedom fighters to travel in fast and express buses. Reservation of two seats in the buses for senior citizens.	Two  seats reserved
Rajasthan	Scheme: Concession of 25 percent in Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) Eligibility: A person of 65 years and above.
Tamilnadu	10% discount on fare is given in the buses of State Express Transport Corporation when reservation is done by Senior Citizen who has completed 60 years of age. (from TN Policy Document : http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/transport_2.htm)	Two seats reserved

 

If you know of additions deletions and corrections please place it in comments. Thanks

Senior Citizens National Protest Day - Post Card Campaign

Senior Citizens National Protest Day: Post Card Campaign

The Joint Action Committee for SCNPD requests that all senior citizens write a Post card each to: Prime Minister, Smt Sonia Gandhi, Sri Mukul Wasnik, CM of AP. The text is given below:

Grievances of Senior Citizens

Dear Mr. Prime Minister

· 63 years have passed and we still do not have social or health security

· 11 years have passed and NPOP has not been implemented by a single State

· 3 years have passed and MWPSC Act has become fully operational only in 3 States/UT’s

· More than 50% BPL Senior Citizens[65+] either do not get any Old Age Pension or are paid much less than the stipulated minimum

etc., etc.,

It is unfortunate that we have to resort to observing Protest Day on August 16 to bring our plight to your notice

Regards,

(Name & address)

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

Shri Dr Manmohan Singh Honorable Prime Ministerof India Prime Minister’s Office South Block, Raisina Hill, New Delhi, India-110 101.	Smt Sonia Gandhi Leader of Indian National Congress 10, Janpath, New Delhi - 110 011
Sri Mukul Wasnik Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Room 201, C wing Shastri Bhavan New Delhi 110001	Dr K Rosaiah Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh 'C' Block, 6th Floor, AP Secretariat Hyderabad 500004

This request may be passed on to all senior citizens known to you

Ageing Parliamentarians are apathetic towards Senior Citizens

 Senior Citizens in India have been consistently getting neglected by Central and State Governments for a number of decades. To cite just a few issues of neglect:

63 years have passed and we still do not have social or health security

·         11 years have passed and National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) has not been implemented by a single State
·         3 years have passed since enacting the Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC Act). This has become somewhat operational only in 8 out of 35 States/UT's; Four states have not even notified it!
·         More than 50% BPL Senior Citizens[65+] either do not get any Old Age Pension or are  paid much less than the stipulated minimum

 Senior Citizens Associations, State and National level Federations and Confederations have been tirelessly taking it up with those occupying seats of power, but with no success.

 Look at our parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha has 543 members out of whom nearly 50% are above 60 – senior citizens by them selves. Similar is the case in Rajya Sabha. We have 243 members where a whopping 183 (75%) are senior citizens. However these elitist politicians show lip sympathy when approached and do nothing to help senior citizens cause. I sent an email appeal to all parliamentarians above 60 years old seeking their support. But nearly fifty percent of emails bounced indicating that they never open their mail and allow it to overflow the space allotted. Only one (Sri MS Swaminathan) was kind enough to respond assuring us his support. Another disturbing statistic:  all the 780 members put together have asked about 30 questions concerning senior citizens welfare in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha  during the last one year.

 Spare our politicians. Take up the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.  From the Annual report 2009-10, the total annual budget allotment for MOSJE is Rs 2500 Crores. Out of this budget for disabled & Senior Citizens is 9.3%, that is Rs 232.5 Crores.  Expenditure for Senior Citizens amounts to 27 crores Out of these 27 crores, Rural Development ministry has chipped in about 10.6 crores for old age pension. Amount spent for Senior Citizens works out to less than 10% of money spent on Disabled welfare and about 1% of total Ministry's budget.

 Now consider segment of the population MOSJE serves: Population: Senior Citizens 60+ --> 7.7 crores out of total 102.9 crores; Disabled --> 2.19 cr out of total India's population of 102.9 cr. Work out for yourself the gross disparity in budget allotment.

 How long should senior citizens keep quite and meekly witness the negligence and indifference? You be the judge. If you agree, join the silent protest on Senior Citizens National Protest Day on 16^th August 2010 in your own city, district. For details see: http://scnpd.posterous.com/ 

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

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 - Tardy Status of Implementation by States

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 –Tardy Status of Implementation in States

The Act was passed towards the end of 2007. The Central Government recommended that it be adopted and implemented by every state and Union teritory. Out of 35 States / UTs, as Himachal Pradesh has its own act (better than the Central Act), HP is not taken into account. It is not applicable to J&K. Out of the rest of 33 States / UTs four states have not bothered even notify it as acceptable for action. These are: Bihar,Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. After notification in the State Gazette, there are four important steps to be taken. These are: a) Framing Rules under the act b) Notifying / Appointing Maintenance Officers c)Notifying / Appointing Maintenance Tribunal and d) Setting up Appelatte Tribunal. Without these crucial steps in place the act is toothless in any state.

Let us look at the Table taken from MOSJE Annual Report for 2009-10. There are some funny things about this table. Four States that are totally blind to Center's plea about this act have not been included. While the data about status as of Feb 2010 is given for 29 states, the Serial Number shows 30 as the numbering is faulty. And the data does not depict true picture.

While the Table says that thirteen states have fully complied with the requirements, we read news items as late as June 2010 that Gujarat and Tamilnadu are yet to appoint Maintenance officers, appellate tribunal etc. Ground reality is different. 15 out of 33 States have not even notified rules – it is as good as doing nothing about the act. It is only around June 2010, on account of Elder Abuse Awareness Day and media pressure, that some states sporadically try to do something. Pressure from Senior Citizens Associations and Sttate and National level federations count nothing with the rulers. One example is Maharashtra where AISCCON, FESCOM and local NGOs like Silver Innings, Dignity & Harmony have been shouting from roof tops – the government is silent as rock.

In Andhra Pradesh draft rules have remained in file, never notified, despite consistent pressure and follow up by FAPSCO and APSCCON. One redeeming factor about AP is that despite absence of rules , the Collector of West Godhavari District has treated the Act as self contained wholesome act ( with rules) and has gone ahead listening to and passing orders under this act – helping senior citizens all the way. As many as 15 cases have been settled which only goes to bust the myth the senior citizens won't go to court against their own children. Hundreds are waiting for leagal avenues to redress their sufferings. Similarly, In Tamilnadu, the police, though they can not directly intefere in cases of Elder abuse under this act, have opted to be sympathetic to senior citizens in tackling offenders out of the way. Not all states are lucky.

Therefore it is impretive that all states and UTs take necessary steps imediately to implement theAct in right spirit, not just on paper. This requires pressure from center, that is MOSJE should do its part. As they are not doing, Senior citizens are showing their dissatisfaction by observing Senior Citizens National Protest Day on 16^th August 2010. Joins us in full strength for your own benefit.

Book Review: Ageing Beautifully

Book Review: Ageing Beautifully. Reviwed by Dr P Vyasamoorthy

Senior Citizens Bureau, Chennai has brought out, 15th year in succession, their special annual publication called Ageing Beautifully -- released very aptly on World Elders Day !st October 2008. 

As usual, a descriptive account of the Bureau's activities are given. As many as 40 short articles are given in about 90 pages. As may be expected, there are many readable pieces on health, medicine, yoga, healthy foods etc.SCB's prestigious project:"Geriatric House Call" get full mention. This activity is worth replicating in other cities as well.

Directories of Old age homes, List of Helplines are useful and updated. A specialty of this particular annual is that there is a chapter on NGOs and the services offered by them like: services for the aged, helplines, day care centers, free cataract operations etc. Kannappan seems to be an avid compiler of useful data. Additionally, this year, press clippings are photocopies instead of extracted text only. They include images -- an attractive feature.   

There is a small Tamil Section that tells lot about vegetables and safe foods besides other seniors topics. I liked Dildar Singh's true story on his retirement day. He explains realistically as to what would happen (how people will treat you with indifference) after retirement. Capt Singaraja's DOs and DONTs are worth copying.

Unlike many publications of SCAs in this area, this annual is devoid of advertisements. To recover the expenditure, this title is priced modestly at Rs 70/- (contact Dr Singaraja: 0 9444127704)

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

Kenya proposes to change constitution favoring elders rights

Kenya: Proposed Laws Guarantee the Welfare of the Senior Citizens

21 July 2010

What does the Proposed Constitution say about the older members of society?

CURRENT CONSTITUTION

The current Constitution does not make specific provisions about age
and older persons. The issue of age is dealt with sporadically with
regard to the qualification for certain offices such as the
requirement that a person who seeks to be President be at least 35
years of age.

However, it can be said the older members of society are covered under
the provisions that prohibit discrimination on suspect grounds such as
language, race, religion and others.

It can be argued that age would be one of these suspect qualifications
and that, therefore, it would be unlawful to discriminate on the basis
of age.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTION

The Proposed Constitution makes it an obligation on the part of the
State to take measures to ensure that:

Older persons are involved in and fully participate in the affairs of
the nation alongside other citizens.

That the older persons are not hindered in their pursuit of personal
development.

That older persons are enabled to live in dignity and respect and that
they are specifically protected from abuse or mistreatment on account
of their age.

The effect of the above provision is that it seeks to recognise the
older persons in society and to ensure that they are integrated into
the national affairs of society to the full extent that they would
wish to be involved in the issues of the nation.

Secondly, it obligates the government to establish a welfare system
that will enable the older persons in society to have and sustain a
reasonable livelihood.

The article says that this would be a role to be shared by the
government and the family members of the senior members of the
society.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201007210786.html

========

Senior citizen discounts in Delhi

I do not know how I missed this news of last year. Can someone from Delhi confirm the current practice? Has this been successful? WE have a couple of members from "we care" mentioned in this news.  PVM ====================  Grandmother of discounts, from eateries - Hotel federation plans concessions for customers who bring along senior citizens CITHARA PAUL Old is gold New Delhi, Sept. 25 (2009) : Next time you dine out, take your grandparents along. Apart from some quality family time, you may gain a few concessions. The Federation of Hotels and Restaurants of India, the apex body of the hospitality industry, is planning discounts for customers who are accompanied by senior citizens. "The idea is to encourage families to bring along the elderly who are normally left at home while the others dine out,'' said federation secretary-general Deepak Sharma. "We want to give it a try in the metros first, then we will extend it to the smaller cities." Sharma said the federation's state chapters had been asked to discuss the proposal, and the final decision — as well as the discount percentage — would be left to individual restaurants. Some eateries in Chandigarh, which has a large population of well-to-do elderly, has already started the scheme, offering 15 to 20 per cent discounts. If the elderly come alone, they are still entitled to the discount, but if they come in a group, the discount will apply to the overall bill. No documents showing age are likely to be needed. To make the plan a success, the industry is also thinking of altering menus, offering more vegetarian and diabetic-friendly diets. Such discounts are common in the West, and the suggestion to introduce them in India had come from NGOs working for the elderly. "The elderly are the most affected by the social inclination towards the nuclear family. Even when they live with their children, they are rarely made a part of family outings," said Uma Ganapathy of We Care. "If the hotels come forward with this kind of proposal, the young generation will be encouraged to take their grandparents out for lunch or dinner. It will also mean more business for the hotel industry." Ganapathy, however, insisted that restaurants had to be a lot more sensitive towards elderly customers. She cited studies to suggest that it was very important for elderly diners to be made to feel they were valued customers. "It will be individual attention rather than speed of service that will satisfy elderly people. It is necessary for (restaurant) staff to understand this,'' she said. Sharma said the hotel industry planned to sensitise staff to the requirements of the aged. "Their requirements may be different from those of the rest, and staff will have to learn how to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere and make them feel important." The proposal has enthused many. "My naani (grandmother) has never dined out with us despite many requests because she fears she would not be comfortable in a hotel," said Anshika Sharma, 15, of Karol Bagh. "But if there are going to be elderly-sensitive arrangements, I will make sure she comes out with us the next time." "I rarely dine out with my children despite their requests since I have never enjoyed it," said G.S. Amrohi, a septuagenarian who lives in Eastern Kailash. "But if there is a discount offer, I may go with them the next time." Ganapathy, however, warned that families too needed to be sensitive. "There will be a tendency among the younger generation to use the elderly as a discount coupon,'' she said.

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

NPOP - Review Committee stresses National Commission for the Elderly

Govt plans panel for elderly

CITHARA PAUL

New Delhi, July 4: The government will constitute a National Commission for the Elderly with some powers similar to that of a court in a move that is part of efforts to give teeth to the National Elderly Policy. "The commission will be a one-stop arrangement capable of addressing all issues related to the elderly. Once it is in place, the elderly will not have to knock on several doors,'' said an official of the social justice ministry, which is piloting the initiative. The commission will be part of the 1999 National Policy for Old Persons, now being reviewed. It will be a statutory body — like the women's commission — with the authority to summon individuals, and will have state-level units. It will also offer training to sensitise police to the elderly. The Centre has set up a committee to review the policy on old persons, with former National Women's Commission chief Mohini Giri as its chairperson. The panel has been asked to propose amendments in the light of new demographic and socio-economic trends. The committee will also review the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which makes it mandatory for children to look after their parents. "The act was a little unrealistic in the Indian scenario as it is rare for an Indian parent to file complaints against their offspring. What is required are measures to prevent the elderly from becoming penniless,'' said a member of the committee. Besides the quasi-judicial commission, there is a proposal to have at least one officer in every police station exclusively to handle complaints by the elderly and to sensitise the entire force to such issues, the ministry official said. The committee will also ask state governments to take steps for quick disposal of property-transfer and property-tax cases involving the elderly. Such matters are settled after years, many after the senior citizens have died in penury. Measures are also planned to ensure better healthcare. The suggestions being thought of include geriatric wards in every medical college, geriatric specialist in every district hospital and a health assistant in every panchayat. The 2001 census put the number of senior citizens (60 and above) at 7.9 crore, or 7.5 per cent of the population. The National Commission on Population has said senior citizens will comprise 8.3 per cent of the population by 2011, 9.3 per cent by 2016, 10.7 per cent by 2021 and 12.4 per cent by 2026. ===========

More seats for women, sr citizens on BEST buses

Small mercies, after long struggle?!
=========================

More seats for women, sr citizens on BEST buses
Somit Sen, TNN, Jul 21, 2010, 01.45am IST

MUMBAI: Here's some good news for women and senior citizens travelling
by BEST buses. The transport undertaking has increased reserved seats
for women from the existing six seats to 12 seats per bus; senior
citizens will now have not just two but four reserved seats. The new
quotas will come into effect from August 1. The reservation for
handicapped persons remains the same.

The reservation has been revised not just for the ordinary red buses,
but also for the double-deckers and the air-conditioned buses. In
double-deckers, women will now have 10 reserved seats-which means four
additional seats-and "senior citizens & handicapped" will have three
commonly reserved seats.

In the AC buses, women previously had only two reserved seats. This
has now been increased to six, while senior citizens will get two
seats which they will share with handicapped persons and two more
seats reserved exclusively for them.

The reservation in midi buses was two for women, two for handicapped
and one for senior citizen. It has now been increased to six for
women, two for handicapped and three for senior citizens.

"There was a huge demand to reserve more seats for women and senior
citizens. In fact, I was flooded with several letters and phone calls
from Mumbaikars,'' said BEST committee chairperson Sanjay Potnis.

Bowing to public demand, the BEST management decided to increase the
reserved seats quota. BEST general manage Om Prakash Gupta said, "We
respect all senior citizens and women who travel by our buses daily.
We want to ensure that their travel is less cumbersome and that they
dont have to go standing."

During the committee meeting on Tuesday, when the proposal for
additional reserved seats was being cleared, committee member Sunil
Ganacharya pointed out that he had been pursuing the case and raising
it at several meetings in the past. "It was actually a complaint from
a well-known Marathi composer which prompted me to raise the issue,''
he said. "The composer travels regularly by BEST buses to his
recording studio. He had to often travel standing in the bus and this
was frustrating,'' he stated. Ganacharya thanked Gupta for introducing
additional seats for not just senior citizens but also women.

Committee member Ravi Raja from the Congress welcomed the BEST
decision, stating that the general public can occupy the seats in the
absence of women and senior citizens. "But as soon as a woman or a
senior citizen boards the bus, the seat has to be vacated
immediately,'' he said, adding that conductors should strictly enforce
the new rule from August 1.
=======================

Senior Citizens National Protest Day: 16th August 2010

Senior Citizens National Protest Day: 16th August 2010

An Appeal to Senior Citizens

From Dr P Vyasamoorthy, Joint Coordinator, JAC for the Protest Day

Today, senior citizens, are more than 10 Crores out of a population of around 113 Crores in our Country. According to HelpAge 66% of them can not afford two square meals a day, 90% of them have no social or health security, 73% are illiterate and can only survive by doing physical labour, and 37% are lonely cursing their age.

Our Government signed the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in 2002 when it committed to halve the old age poverty by 2015 but the reverse is happening in our Country. According to another estimate while the population of BPL category has gone down below 22%, that in case of the Older Persons has exceeded 66%. This segment thus is becoming larger and larger at the same time is getting poorer and poorer. The poorest among the poor are Senior Citizens.

All our governments - at the center and at state levels - have been consistently ignoring and neglecting the welfare of senior citizens. Major problems of neglect comprise of: Non Implementation of NPOP & MWPSC Act 2007, lack of health cover and inadequate old age pension for the poor. Take a look at this Gross Governmental Neglect

1. 63 years have gone and we still do not have social or health security
2. NPOP not implemented by a single State even after 11 years
3. MWPSC Act has become fully operational only in 3 States/UT’s
4. More than 50% BPL Senior Citizens[65+] either do not get any Old Age Pension or are paid much less than the stipulated minimum

Therefore , a large number of Senior Citizens Federations, confederations, State and national level organizations, big NGOs like HelpAge, Harmony, Dignity, Nightingale - totaling about thirty – have come together to observe “Senior Citizens National Protest Day” on 16th August 2010. On this day there will be silent and dignified protest by senior citizens in all state capitals, district head quarters and even at Mandal level. Representatives will meet the authorities like CM, Collector, MLA, MP etc and submit memorandums of demands. A common memorandum to Prime Minister is being sent from all State level and National level organizations.

On the Protest day, Seniors will take out a procession, form a human chain, hold meetings, wear black ribbon bands, distribute pamphlets and posters, display slogans, perhaps also wear visors with the caption: “ Empower the Elderly” etc. We will try to enlist the support of media – both print and electronic – and through their cooperation bring our problems to the notice of the public. Prior to that in the preceding month, there will be articles and stories in the press, online signature campaigns, articles in blogs and forums, press meetings, post card campaign etc to build up the momentum.

After all, we senior citizens form nearly 20% of ‘effective electorate’ and if we stand united the results can only be positive. For uptodate information read: http://scnpd.posterous.com/ and send your comments, if any. Please come and join in large numbers in observing the protest day and thus strengthen our, rather, your hands.

Old Age Pension: Several States need to wake up

Old Age Pension: Several States need to wake up

The Government of India instituted Old age pension to destitute older
persons several years ago. The pension amount was raised from Rs 75
per month to Rs 200 couple of years ago. Under the latest scheme
called India Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOPS) any
senior citizens above 65 in BPL category is eligible for a pension of
Rs 200 pm from GOI contribution. The center has recommended that each
state may supplement this with a minimum of Rs 200 per month from its
own resources.

The scheme envisages the payment to be made through post offices or
banks to filter out middlemen. It also stipulates that both husband
and wife are eligible if they are above 65. Earlier clause that the
recipient must be a destitute was withdrawn. With Rs 400 a month, at
the present inflationary rates of food items, a senior citizen can
just afford to buy half a liter of milk per day and nothing else. It
is a pity that in as many as 17 states and UTs even this minimum
recommendation of Rs 400 is not complied with. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Daman & Diu pay nothing more
than center's contribution of Rs 200. Supplementary payment, out of
State resources, ranging from Rs 50 to 150, is made by 11 states:
Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Chattisgarh, Nagaland, Lakshdweep, Kerala,
Assam, Megalaya, Mizoram, Madya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

As many as 9 states – Gujarat, Jharkand, Karnataka,Rajasthan,
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Tripura, Tamilnadu and West Bengal are contented
with meeting the bare recommended minimum of Rs4oo, thus contributing
Rs 200 from their own resources. Older persons in rest of the 9 states
are lucky in getting more than 400 – luckiest being Goa and Delhi
where OAP is Rs 1000 per month.

What it all boils down to is that nearly 50% of states are paying far
less than 400 for older persons 65+. In terms of number persons denied
even this barest minimum of Rs 400 works out to 2.1 crores. As I know
of the situation in AP let me give some startling facts: When old
couple, both are above 65, the husband is give; the wife is denied.
The amount is given through political local leaders who pick and
choose who should be given (registered) for OAP. A sample survey
conducted in two villages showed many anomalies such as: ineligible
persons being included; recipients had to pay a bribe to get
registered and a commission even on monthly payments on a regular
basis; non existing names were included for OAP etc.

The Andhra Pradesh Government justifies its stand by claiming to pay
Rs 200 to about 46 lakhs of elders. While the national average of BPL
category is around 38% of the population, AP says about 80% are under
BPL. Indiscriminate issue (sale of, would be more appropriate) of
White Ration Cards for BPL to curry the favors of public and voters
has landed the state into an irrecoverable mess. Our repeated pleas to
rectify the situation and to ensure that all truly eligible senior
citizens get Rs 400 per month have fallen on deaf ears.

This is one of the main reasons triggering senior citizens from all
over India joining together to observe a protest day at national level
on 16th August 2010. Let us hope that our rulers wake up and listen.

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

About Senior Citizens National Protest Day in DC

Senior citizens plan to stand up for their rights

July 1st, 2010

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Tags: senior citizens, stand up for their rights

Dismayed by red tape and upset with the tardy implementation of a government policy concerning them, India's senior citizens are planning a nationwide agitation a day after Independence Day.

The protest will put forward their demands for concessions in essential services, health cover, higher return on their investments with an in-built compensation mechanism for the increase in the cost of living, dwindling interest rates, and proper implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999, passed as The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens' Act in 2007.

The last census in 2001 put the number of senior citizens aged more than 60 years at 7.7 crore. The number is slated to grow substantially with better quality of life and improved medical services — at least in the urban areas.

The latest trigger for the protests, which begin on August 16, is the nonchalant attitude of policymakers towards them, says Dr P Vyasamoorthy, Joint Coordinator, Joint Action Committee for Senior Citizens National Protest Day. "Only three states have implemented the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens' Act so far," says Vyasamoorthy. "The government had appointed a review Committee to look into the policy. The major problem lies in its implementation," he adds.

The review panel, formed in January 2010 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was asked to draft a new policy for the elderly in view of India's emerging demographic, socio-economic and technology trends. "The existing policy has some loopholes that need to be plugged. The task is to reach a policy that works today as well as 50 years from now," says Mathew Cherian, CEO, Help Age India.

A senior official of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said that the panel was given a six-month extension in May. To speed things up, four sub-committees on issues concerning the elderly have been formed and the report could be submitted to the government by October 2010.

The subcommittees will examine issues that concern senior citizens including their security and health needs, particularly those of women. "The committee is working on a policy that involves the creation of geriatric wards in all hospitals and a statutory body with the powers of a judicial court to deal with matters related to the elderly including specialised training to sensitise the police towards the elderly," said the official.