INDIA: Senior Citizens Welfare Bill In Winter Session Of Parliament

NEW DELHI (Press Trust of India), October 30, 2007: Concerned over increasing incidences of abuse of the elderly, the government is planning to place a bill ensuring welfare of senior citizens in the winter session of Parliament. "'Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens' Bill, which has been discussed by the Standing Committee, will be placed before the Parliament in the coming session," Union Social Justice Minister Meira Kumar said at the 'Vayoshrestha Sammman' ceremony to felicitate distinguished seniors. "The thrust of the bill is on maintenance, care and protection of parents and setting up of tribunals in every district for quick settlement of maintenance claims," she said. While taking exception to increasing incidences of insults against senior citizens from different parts of the country, she said "those involved in abusing and violence will be strictly dealt with according to the law." She said all state governments have been directed to add equal amount to old age pension scheme, which has been raised by the Central government from Rs 75 to Rs 200 per month. Raising concerns over the rising medical costs, she said the government is also contemplating issuing directives to insurance companies to extend the entry age for health insurance schemes and also offer policies at reduced premium. With women becoming more active outside household and care of elderly becoming more difficult, she said "there is a need for professional caregivers which can be provided by the National Institute of Social Defence." © Copyright PTI 2007