NEW DELHI (Times News Network), November 1, 2005:
The neglected lot of senior citizens is likely to feel warmer this winter.
The government is planning to introduce a Bill in the winter session of Parliament that will allow old parents to reappropriate properties willed to their wards if they fail to take care of them.
The proposed legislation is aimed at providing a trampoline for elders if they are neglected.
The proposed Bill may also provide for old-age pension, apart from the provision of having at least one old-age home in each district and specific health provisions for the elderly.
“The draft legislation, which has been circulated to states, is expected to be introduced in the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament,” a government source said.
The proposed ‘Older Persons (Maintenance, Care & Protection) Bill, ’05’ addresses financial, housing, clothing and companionship requirements of the elderly.
It proposes to make it obligatory on the part of families to ensure better living conditions for senior citizens.
The state is expected to take on the role of a family in case the older person lives below the poverty line.
It also proposes to set up tribunals headed by sub-divisional magistrates, where older persons can apply to claim maintenance from their children, including adopted or step children and grandchildren. It is likely that the tribunal may be empowered to take suo moto notice.
India has the second largest elderly population in the world. About 80% of them live in rural areas.
A National Policy on Older Persons was formulated in January 1999, with the objective of encouraging individuals to make provisions for their own as well as their spouse’s old age.
The policy could not be implemented effectively. The mid-term appraisal of the 10th Five-Year Plan also suggested the government prepare an action plan to operationalise the policy.
Limited efforts have been made by the Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry to improve the lot of the elderly. The ministry has provided Rs 15.7 crore in 2004-05 to 444 NGOs for running 338 old-age homes, 241 day-care centres and 45 mobile medicare units. There is a special saving scheme through post offices for senior citizens, which offers a simple interest rate of 9%. Older people are entitled to a tax rebate of Rs 20,000, 50% discount on domestic air travel and 30% discount on train journey.
By Rajeev Jayaswal
Times News Network
Copyright © Global Action on Aging
November 1, 2005
INDIA: Will the Father Now Roll Back His Will?
NEW DELHI (Times News Network), November 1, 2005:
The neglected lot of senior citizens is likely to feel warmer this winter.
The government is planning to introduce a Bill in the winter session of Parliament that will allow old parents to reappropriate properties willed to their wards if they fail to take care of them.
The proposed legislation is aimed at providing a trampoline for elders if they are neglected.
The proposed Bill may also provide for old-age pension, apart from the provision of having at least one old-age home in each district and specific health provisions for the elderly.
“The draft legislation, which has been circulated to states, is expected to be introduced in the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament,” a government source said.
The proposed ‘Older Persons (Maintenance, Care & Protection) Bill, ’05’ addresses financial, housing, clothing and companionship requirements of the elderly.
It proposes to make it obligatory on the part of families to ensure better living conditions for senior citizens.
The state is expected to take on the role of a family in case the older person lives below the poverty line.
It also proposes to set up tribunals headed by sub-divisional magistrates, where older persons can apply to claim maintenance from their children, including adopted or step children and grandchildren. It is likely that the tribunal may be empowered to take suo moto notice.
India has the second largest elderly population in the world. About 80% of them live in rural areas.
A National Policy on Older Persons was formulated in January 1999, with the objective of encouraging individuals to make provisions for their own as well as their spouse’s old age.
The policy could not be implemented effectively. The mid-term appraisal of the 10th Five-Year Plan also suggested the government prepare an action plan to operationalise the policy.
Limited efforts have been made by the Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry to improve the lot of the elderly. The ministry has provided Rs 15.7 crore in 2004-05 to 444 NGOs for running 338 old-age homes, 241 day-care centres and 45 mobile medicare units. There is a special saving scheme through post offices for senior citizens, which offers a simple interest rate of 9%. Older people are entitled to a tax rebate of Rs 20,000, 50% discount on domestic air travel and 30% discount on train journey.
By Rajeev Jayaswal
Times News Network
Copyright © Global Action on Aging
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