INDIA: Activists, old age homes skeptical about implementation of Maintenance law

. PUNE, Maharashtra / The Times of India / March 2, 2009 Even as activists and old-age homes have welcomed the state cabinet's Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, they are skeptical about the implementation of the law. Children's attitude towards their old parents, social stigma and bureaucracy are some issues, which activists feel, the law overlooks. According to human rights activist Asim Sarode, "Elderly people can stand and demand their rights once the law is enforced. But, I don't think the law can be effectively implemented as it cannot change the attitude of the present generation. Also, I feel the punishment or criminal nature of the law is not good. It will criminalise the relationship between parents and their children." Money and property disputes are the primary reasons for the increasing abuse of the elderly in Maharashtra. Neelam Gorhe, activist said. "The fact that the law has been introduced is indicative that the issue is thriving, but, there are not enough provisions in the law to protect the elderly. There has been a considerable increase in the number of female senior citizens and I don't see anything in this law that will benefit them. The government has also introduced schemes for senior citizens, but how much of it is being implemented and how many are benefited from these schemes? Will this law be effective or remain only on paper?" Suggesting a commissioner's post be created at the divisional level to monitor the system for senior citizens, Gorhe said, "This division must work only for senior citizens, address their problems and function in a way similar to other divisional commisionerates. Help from senior citizens' organisations can be sought. Appointing senior volunteers for this work will help a great deal." Jayant Salvekar, manager of the Matoshree Old Age home has his own doubts about the law in operation. Having spent years with senior citizens, both bereaved and happy, he feels that bureaucracy will be a major impediment, keeping senior citizens away from the courts and seeking justice. "I doubt how many parents will lodge a complaint against their children. Only and when that happens, the law will come into picture. Most elderly, due to their physical disabilities and other reasons, do not want to get into the bureaucracy of the system. Somewhere they are also worried about the social image they have and once they lodge the complain, they are worried that the society will come to know about the bitter relationship with their children." Copyright © 2009 Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd