INDIA: Much-awaited Bill for Elderly to be Tabled Soon

NEW DELHI (The Pioneer), November 24, 2005: It's final now. Proposed model legislation for older persons will be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ms Subulakshmi Jagadeeshan said this on Friday. The minister said, "The legislation will meet in a comprehensive manner the problems of elderly persons caused by changing socio-economic conditions and social values." She added, "The legislation will ensure that the maintenance, care, and protection of the elderly is legally enforceable." The proposal act while focusing on enduring maintenance and care of the senior citizens through their children and grand children, including step and adopted children. The proposal act envisages settlement of disputes through less cumbersome non-judicial process through a tribunal headed by sub divisional office. There are over 76 Million elderly persons, almost 69 per cent of the total population of the country as per 2001 census. With average life expectancy on increase, their number is likely to grow to 137 crore by 2021.