INDIA: Government lists steps to protect senior citizens living alone in Delhi

NEW DELHI (Press Information Bureau), March 12, 2008: There were 17 fatal attacks on senior citizens living in Delhi during 2007 in comparison to 12 attacks in the year 2006. This was stated by Ms V. Radhika Selvi, Minister of State, Home Affairs, in the Rajya Sabha today. She was replying a question tabled by senior Rajya Sabha member Dr. Karan Singh. The minister also listed the steps taken by Delhi Police for security of senior citizens. These include * establishment of helpline; identification of elderly people living alone, * verification of antecedents of their employees, particularly domestic servants and drivers; * periodic visits to the residence of elderly persons by the Beat Staff and Station House Officers; * setting up of Senior Citizen’s Security Cell; * contacting the senior citizens by the officers of the Senior Citizen Security Cell, both personally and on telephone to give them emotional support and to create a sense of security; * briefing the senior citizens about security devices and security related issues; * adoption of senior citizens by school children; and * organizing security awareness camps for the benefits of senior citizens, * starting community liaison programme to involve senior citizens in larger community matters, * distribution of printed material on the steps to be taken for the safety of life and property of senior citizens, * educating senior citizens regarding law related to their safety and welfare, etc. PIB, Government of India