INDIA: Centre Wants Linkages With States for Old Age Plans

IMPHAL, Manipur (KanglaOnline), December 23, 2005: The Indian federal government's ministry of social justice and empowerment, has asked state governments to establish linkages and networks with the ministry to develop effective programmes for care and support of the elderly. A national policy on old people has been intimated to state government through Manipur state government's home secretary, an official source said. A number of initiatives have been taken up by the federal government to meet social and developmental needs of old people. The old vulnerable become victims of various crimes in society and the national policy includes steps to be taken for providing security of life and property to the elderly. Under the policy the state government is to advice the police department to give special attention to protecting the life and property of old people. The state government should also sensitize the police force at the field level, especially sub-head offices, on the security concerns of the elderly. The state government has been directed to formulate a comprehensive action plan for safety and security of elderly persons including, identification of the pockets inhabited by them and personal visit to their homes. It also includes monitoring and review of old people`s cases by senior police officers at the district level and setting up of helplines for their welfare. Police and public order are state subjects and primary responsibility of state governments and union territories` administrations in the country. The central government's intimation to the state mentions some steps taken up by Delhi police for safeguarding old persons in Delhi and urges similar action by other states. By Thingbaijam Dhamen