In this respect at least, our culture benefits us. But unfortunately, our joint families are breaking down under the pressure of everyone having to work to contribute to the family’s income. As a consequence, the old and infirm suffer neglect. In worst cases, criminal neglect.
The Union government’s Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 has given some hope to the neglected and abused senior citizens. But the government of Maharashtra has failed to show concern. It is among 16 Indian States which have not utilised the funds earmarked for welfare schemes under the Act.
This may actually prove to be detrimental to the ruling party in the forthcoming Assembly polls. Senior citizens (above the age of 60) constitute about 16% per cent of the electorate in Maharashtra. The percentage could be as high as 20% in some urban areas. These are literate voters. And their population is rising. Especially in the urban areas, senior citizens are getting more organised. They are already demanding a separate ministry for senior citizens on the lines of separate ministries for women and children. If these citizens feel they have been neglected by the ruling dispensation in Maharashtra, they may not vote for these politicians or their parties in the future.
Various forums of senior citizens are already beginning to ask their elected representatives what they have done for them, and what plans they have for their welfare in future. They are unlikely to vote for those who don’t support their cause.
It is ironical that an overwhelming majority of our politicians are themselves senior citizens. [rc]
Sakaal Media Group © 2008
August 19, 2009
INDIA: Political parties can no longer ignore senior citizens
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PUNE, Maharashtra / Sakaal Times / August 19, 2009
Parties can lose votes by ignoring senior citizens
By Amitabh Dasgupta
Many governments all over the world are unable to meet the expenses of running a welfare state. In fact, the United Nations is asking them to promote traditional families to take care of the aged.
In this respect at least, our culture benefits us. But unfortunately, our joint families are breaking down under the pressure of everyone having to work to contribute to the family’s income. As a consequence, the old and infirm suffer neglect. In worst cases, criminal neglect.
The Union government’s Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 has given some hope to the neglected and abused senior citizens. But the government of Maharashtra has failed to show concern. It is among 16 Indian States which have not utilised the funds earmarked for welfare schemes under the Act.
This may actually prove to be detrimental to the ruling party in the forthcoming Assembly polls. Senior citizens (above the age of 60) constitute about 16% per cent of the electorate in Maharashtra. The percentage could be as high as 20% in some urban areas. These are literate voters. And their population is rising. Especially in the urban areas, senior citizens are getting more organised. They are already demanding a separate ministry for senior citizens on the lines of separate ministries for women and children. If these citizens feel they have been neglected by the ruling dispensation in Maharashtra, they may not vote for these politicians or their parties in the future.
Various forums of senior citizens are already beginning to ask their elected representatives what they have done for them, and what plans they have for their welfare in future. They are unlikely to vote for those who don’t support their cause.
It is ironical that an overwhelming majority of our politicians are themselves senior citizens. [rc]
Sakaal Media Group © 2008
In this respect at least, our culture benefits us. But unfortunately, our joint families are breaking down under the pressure of everyone having to work to contribute to the family’s income. As a consequence, the old and infirm suffer neglect. In worst cases, criminal neglect.
The Union government’s Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 has given some hope to the neglected and abused senior citizens. But the government of Maharashtra has failed to show concern. It is among 16 Indian States which have not utilised the funds earmarked for welfare schemes under the Act.
This may actually prove to be detrimental to the ruling party in the forthcoming Assembly polls. Senior citizens (above the age of 60) constitute about 16% per cent of the electorate in Maharashtra. The percentage could be as high as 20% in some urban areas. These are literate voters. And their population is rising. Especially in the urban areas, senior citizens are getting more organised. They are already demanding a separate ministry for senior citizens on the lines of separate ministries for women and children. If these citizens feel they have been neglected by the ruling dispensation in Maharashtra, they may not vote for these politicians or their parties in the future.
Various forums of senior citizens are already beginning to ask their elected representatives what they have done for them, and what plans they have for their welfare in future. They are unlikely to vote for those who don’t support their cause.
It is ironical that an overwhelming majority of our politicians are themselves senior citizens. [rc]
Sakaal Media Group © 2008
