Friday, May 27, 2011
Ruparelia`s Blog: Grievances of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra.
Ruparelia`s Blog: Grievances of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra.: "To Date: 22-8-10. Shri Raosaheb Pati..."
Ruparelia`s Blog: Grievances of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra.
Ruparelia`s Blog: Grievances of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra.: "To Date: 22-8-10. Shri Raosaheb Pati..."
Welfare of Senior Citizens of Mumbai & Maharashtra.
To Date: 23-5-11.
Shri Sachin Ahir, Hon State Minister of Housing & Social Justice-Welfare of Senior Citizens,
Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai- 400032.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Welfare of Senior Citizens of Mumbai & Maharashtra.
We, the Senior Citizens of Mumbai & Maharashtra, are very happy to observe that you are taking lot of interest & pains to work for welfare of your Elders. We would be obliged, if you kindly get the instructions/GRs etc, as necessary issued on the following long neglected subjects without waiting for finalization/acceptance/notification of State Policy for Senior Citizens, as 12 years have passed in waiting for Policy and the instructions on these subjects do not require notification of Policy by State. Maharashtra State Policy for Older Persons, 2004-Part-1 authorises and expects the State to issue orders on these subjects.
1. Celebrating International Day of Older Persons (IDOP): It is observed that this Day is neither observed by State nor by Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies in Maharashtra inspite of repeated instructions from Nodal Ministry every year. It has been advised by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, New Delhi in reply to my recent Application under RTI that this year also, they had issued instructions under their directive under no. 15-39 (12)/09-10/AGII dt 3-9-10 that these programmes should be organized with active involvement of Sr citizens, Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies etc. On enquiries from BMC & MBMC, it is given to understand that they are having no specific instructions from your side. Kindly issue proper detailed instructions to all concerned including all your departments and local bodies to celebrate this International Day to respect Elders of Maharashtra without waiting for notification of State Policy and instructions may be repeated every year sufficiently advance. Similar instructions for celebrating ``World Awareness Day of Abuse of Older Persons`` on 15th June may also be issued. These celebrations will create proper atmosphere of Respect for Elders in the Society.
2. Vayoshestha Sanmans: Nodal Ministry has given a list of 10 Sanmans given by them every year, which they give in celebration of IDOP. Our State should also give similar Sanmans at State/District/Panchayat-Municipal levels.
3. Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP)- Revised Scheme effective from 1-4-2008: Nodal Ministry has advised that as against National Allocation to Maharashtra for this purpose in year 2008-09 of Rs 150 lakhs, only Rs 49.92 and against NA for 2009-10 of Rs 75 lakhs, only Rs 47.07 were released as per State Demand. Para 6 of the Revised Scheme has made Panchayati Raj Institutions & Local Bodies as main implementing Agencies. No instructions having been issued to these agencies, BMC & MBMT are refusing to take action and insist on State Instructions. Kindly make out a time bound programme for each Panchayat & Municipal Units to provide these schemes in each ward within a year or two, as 90% of recurring & non-recurring expenditure will be borne by Nodal Ministry. Planning Commission has been requested to provide sufficient funds for these very useful schemes.
4. Involve Panchayati Raj Institutions & Municipalities For Welfare of Senior Citizens: Panchayati Raj Institutions (and Local Bodies) are to be encouraged to initiate & participate in all schemes of Welfare of Elders, address local level issues & needs of the ageing population and implement programmes for them. They will provide Forums for discussing concerns of Older Persons & Activities that need to be taken. Such Forums will be encouraged at Panchayat, Municipal, Block & District level. They will have adequate representation of older women. Panchayat will mobilize the talents & skills of older persons & draw up plans for utilizing these at local level. Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Local Bodies and monitor the progress, as this will lead to real welfare of Elders of Maharashtra.
5. Instructions to our Media, Trusts, Charitable Hospitals/State & Municipal Hospitals , NGOs , Civic Authorities etc: Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Stake Holders in Maharashtra for looking after the welfare of Elders, so that they start doing their work, which may lead to our Elders leading dignified life during their last spell of life. Arrangements may please be made to obtain details of all Registered Associations/Organizations working for senior Citizens, if necessary, from Charity Commissioner or as available in Karmayog & other Web Sites or by inviting information from organizations and issue instructions to all Departments to endorse copy of all circulars/instructions affecting elders to Federations/State level Organizations. Similar list should be available with each Panchayat/ Municipality & each Ward Officer for their jurisdiction. State & Local Bodies should call for Meetings, Seminars etc for inter action with elders periodically.
Just as Director (Ageing) is working as Nodal Officer in Ministry of S.J. & E. at Centre, a Nodal Officer at State level may be nominated to deal with all representations/matters pertaining to Senior Citizens.
6. Annual Report of work done in the State for its Elders: At present any good work done for Elders by State is not known to large number of Senior Citizens. An annual report for all work done for Elders in the State should be prepared and brought out in Media on every International Day for Older Persons. This will not only monitor various actions by all authorities but boost morale of Elders of Maharashtra.
(All these 6 items were represented to Principal Secretary vide my letter dt 30-12-10 followed by reminders but no action is taken even after 5 months!).
- Transport Concessions to Senior Citizens: As per Memorandum issued by Home Department under no. kra.STC-1998/667/pra.ka.36/pari.1 dt 25-10-2000, 50% concession in fares for travelling in MSRTC buses is given to all Senior Citizens of 65 years and above. It is experienced by Senior Citizens of Maharashtra as well as other States coming to Maharashtra that Conductors insist on production of Identity Card issued by State of Maharashtra and do not accept other Identity Cards issued by other States or Central Government Departments, PAN cards, Passports etc. Any photo-identity card issued by any Public Authority including local authorities should be sufficient to get this concession. We shall be grateful, if proper instructions with liberal provisions are got issued very early. We would also request you to consider earmarking of more seats in ST buses for Senior Citizens, as recently done by BEST and to give free or 90% concession to female Senior Citizens, especially widows and above 80 years. Present age limit of 65 for this concession may also be reduced to 60, as accepted by Finance Ministry for Tax Exemption from 1-4-11, as all Senior Citizens deserve similar treatment in view of less income after retirement. General Managers of Local Suburban Railway trains should be approached by State and made to realize the need for separate coach for Senior Citizens, as they are more handicapped than medically certified handicaps and Ladies. Some seats in First Class Coaches should be got reserved.
- Medical Treatment in Municipal Hospitals in Mumbai: As per State GR no. 2006/navi-20 dt 12-12-06, free treatment is to be given to all Senior Citizens in all Municipal Hospitals. All Hospitals, except 3 major Hospitals of Nair, KEM & Sion have given in writing that they are giving free treatment to all Senior Citizens. These 3 major Hospitals are defying the State Orders for last 5 years and do not give free treatment to Senior Citizens. You may kindly use your good offices and help your Elders.
- Free Movement of Rickshaws in entire MMRDA Area: As per Notification in Extraordinary State Gazette dt 25-2-08, all Rickshaws & taxies were allowed to ply in entire MMRDA area but these orders are not yet implemented even after 3 years for rickshaws, resulting in Senior Citizens and all citizens have to walk with luggage/heavy school bags at all check nakas for change over from one side Rickshaws to other side Rickshaws. In Mira Road- Bhayander Area, Rickshaws are not running on meters and they charge exorbitant rates for even short distance e.g. from Checknaka to Shrusti area- distance of less than 1.6 km, Rs 40 is charged. Kindly, use your good offices and get these genuine grievances solved.
- Maintenance & Welfare of parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2010: In the recently notified Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act in extraordinary Gazette dt 23-6-10, important provisions of the Central Act, 2007 in respect of Medical Support for Senior Citizens (Section 20) and Transfer of property to be void in certain circumstances (Section 23) are omitted. These are very important provisions for Senior Citizens and may kindly be got added.
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension: Out of more than 9 lakh Senior Citizens in Maharashtra, there are 3.33 lakhs BPL Senior Citizens but beneficiaries for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, Shravan bal Seva Rajya Nivruti Vetan Yojna: and Rashtriya Bima Yojna are very much less, especially in Urban Areas, due to proper action not being taken by Revenue Department to classify them as BPL or registering them under Sravanbal Yojna. Kindly get some instructions issued to Tehsildars, Municipal Authorities etc and concerned officers to get this done early and properly.(Items 7 to 11 were represented to Home Minister by name under my letter dt 22-8-10 followed by several reminders but no action is taken even after 9 months!).
12. Web Site for Senior Citizens: There is a necessity of separate Web Site for Senior Citizens of Maharashtra, as present State Web Site is cumbersome and difficult to get information easily.
As regards State Policy, it is understood that you are discussing with representatives of Senior Citizens, which had given draft to the State before some years and likely to notify by 15-8-11. As 15-8-11 is quite away, you may like to notify the draft on State Web Site for views of prominent expert citizens and interested Senior Citizens and their Organizations by giving a period of 20-30 days. As Review Committee has handed over their recommendations to Minister on 30-3-11 and draft is available on Help Age Web Site, those recommendations may also be kept in view.
We shall be thankful, if instructions/GRs etc, as necessary for above items are issued very early without waiting for notification of State Policy.
Yours sincerely,
(M.V.Ruparelia)
Welfare of Senior Citizens of Mumbai & Maharashtra.
To Date: 23-5-11.
Shri Sachin Ahir, Hon State Minister of Housing & Social Justice-Welfare of Senior Citizens,
Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai- 400032.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Welfare of Senior Citizens of Mumbai & Maharashtra.
We, the Senior Citizens of Mumbai & Maharashtra, are very happy to observe that you are taking lot of interest & pains to work for welfare of your Elders. We would be obliged, if you kindly get the instructions/GRs etc, as necessary issued on the following long neglected subjects without waiting for finalization/acceptance/notification of State Policy for Senior Citizens, as 12 years have passed in waiting for Policy and the instructions on these subjects do not require notification of Policy by State. Maharashtra State Policy for Older Persons, 2004-Part-1 authorises and expects the State to issue orders on these subjects.
1. Celebrating International Day of Older Persons (IDOP): It is observed that this Day is neither observed by State nor by Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies in Maharashtra inspite of repeated instructions from Nodal Ministry every year. It has been advised by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, New Delhi in reply to my recent Application under RTI that this year also, they had issued instructions under their directive under no. 15-39 (12)/09-10/AGII dt 3-9-10 that these programmes should be organized with active involvement of Sr citizens, Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies etc. On enquiries from BMC & MBMC, it is given to understand that they are having no specific instructions from your side. Kindly issue proper detailed instructions to all concerned including all your departments and local bodies to celebrate this International Day to respect Elders of Maharashtra without waiting for notification of State Policy and instructions may be repeated every year sufficiently advance. Similar instructions for celebrating ``World Awareness Day of Abuse of Older Persons`` on 15th June may also be issued. These celebrations will create proper atmosphere of Respect for Elders in the Society.
2. Vayoshestha Sanmans: Nodal Ministry has given a list of 10 Sanmans given by them every year, which they give in celebration of IDOP. Our State should also give similar Sanmans at State/District/Panchayat-Municipal levels.
3. Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP)- Revised Scheme effective from 1-4-2008: Nodal Ministry has advised that as against National Allocation to Maharashtra for this purpose in year 2008-09 of Rs 150 lakhs, only Rs 49.92 and against NA for 2009-10 of Rs 75 lakhs, only Rs 47.07 were released as per State Demand. Para 6 of the Revised Scheme has made Panchayati Raj Institutions & Local Bodies as main implementing Agencies. No instructions having been issued to these agencies, BMC & MBMT are refusing to take action and insist on State Instructions. Kindly make out a time bound programme for each Panchayat & Municipal Units to provide these schemes in each ward within a year or two, as 90% of recurring & non-recurring expenditure will be borne by Nodal Ministry. Planning Commission has been requested to provide sufficient funds for these very useful schemes.
4. Involve Panchayati Raj Institutions & Municipalities For Welfare of Senior Citizens: Panchayati Raj Institutions (and Local Bodies) are to be encouraged to initiate & participate in all schemes of Welfare of Elders, address local level issues & needs of the ageing population and implement programmes for them. They will provide Forums for discussing concerns of Older Persons & Activities that need to be taken. Such Forums will be encouraged at Panchayat, Municipal, Block & District level. They will have adequate representation of older women. Panchayat will mobilize the talents & skills of older persons & draw up plans for utilizing these at local level. Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Local Bodies and monitor the progress, as this will lead to real welfare of Elders of Maharashtra.
5. Instructions to our Media, Trusts, Charitable Hospitals/State & Municipal Hospitals , NGOs , Civic Authorities etc: Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Stake Holders in Maharashtra for looking after the welfare of Elders, so that they start doing their work, which may lead to our Elders leading dignified life during their last spell of life. Arrangements may please be made to obtain details of all Registered Associations/Organizations working for senior Citizens, if necessary, from Charity Commissioner or as available in Karmayog & other Web Sites or by inviting information from organizations and issue instructions to all Departments to endorse copy of all circulars/instructions affecting elders to Federations/State level Organizations. Similar list should be available with each Panchayat/ Municipality & each Ward Officer for their jurisdiction. State & Local Bodies should call for Meetings, Seminars etc for inter action with elders periodically.
Just as Director (Ageing) is working as Nodal Officer in Ministry of S.J. & E. at Centre, a Nodal Officer at State level may be nominated to deal with all representations/matters pertaining to Senior Citizens.
6. Annual Report of work done in the State for its Elders: At present any good work done for Elders by State is not known to large number of Senior Citizens. An annual report for all work done for Elders in the State should be prepared and brought out in Media on every International Day for Older Persons. This will not only monitor various actions by all authorities but boost morale of Elders of Maharashtra.
(All these 6 items were represented to Principal Secretary vide my letter dt 30-12-10 followed by reminders but no action is taken even after 5 months!).
- Transport Concessions to Senior Citizens: As per Memorandum issued by Home Department under no. kra.STC-1998/667/pra.ka.36/pari.1 dt 25-10-2000, 50% concession in fares for travelling in MSRTC buses is given to all Senior Citizens of 65 years and above. It is experienced by Senior Citizens of Maharashtra as well as other States coming to Maharashtra that Conductors insist on production of Identity Card issued by State of Maharashtra and do not accept other Identity Cards issued by other States or Central Government Departments, PAN cards, Passports etc. Any photo-identity card issued by any Public Authority including local authorities should be sufficient to get this concession. We shall be grateful, if proper instructions with liberal provisions are got issued very early. We would also request you to consider earmarking of more seats in ST buses for Senior Citizens, as recently done by BEST and to give free or 90% concession to female Senior Citizens, especially widows and above 80 years. Present age limit of 65 for this concession may also be reduced to 60, as accepted by Finance Ministry for Tax Exemption from 1-4-11, as all Senior Citizens deserve similar treatment in view of less income after retirement. General Managers of Local Suburban Railway trains should be approached by State and made to realize the need for separate coach for Senior Citizens, as they are more handicapped than medically certified handicaps and Ladies. Some seats in First Class Coaches should be got reserved.
- Medical Treatment in Municipal Hospitals in Mumbai: As per State GR no. 2006/navi-20 dt 12-12-06, free treatment is to be given to all Senior Citizens in all Municipal Hospitals. All Hospitals, except 3 major Hospitals of Nair, KEM & Sion have given in writing that they are giving free treatment to all Senior Citizens. These 3 major Hospitals are defying the State Orders for last 5 years and do not give free treatment to Senior Citizens. You may kindly use your good offices and help your Elders.
- Free Movement of Rickshaws in entire MMRDA Area: As per Notification in Extraordinary State Gazette dt 25-2-08, all Rickshaws & taxies were allowed to ply in entire MMRDA area but these orders are not yet implemented even after 3 years for rickshaws, resulting in Senior Citizens and all citizens have to walk with luggage/heavy school bags at all check nakas for change over from one side Rickshaws to other side Rickshaws. In Mira Road- Bhayander Area, Rickshaws are not running on meters and they charge exorbitant rates for even short distance e.g. from Checknaka to Shrusti area- distance of less than 1.6 km, Rs 40 is charged. Kindly, use your good offices and get these genuine grievances solved.
- Maintenance & Welfare of parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2010: In the recently notified Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act in extraordinary Gazette dt 23-6-10, important provisions of the Central Act, 2007 in respect of Medical Support for Senior Citizens (Section 20) and Transfer of property to be void in certain circumstances (Section 23) are omitted. These are very important provisions for Senior Citizens and may kindly be got added.
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension: Out of more than 9 lakh Senior Citizens in Maharashtra, there are 3.33 lakhs BPL Senior Citizens but beneficiaries for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, Shravan bal Seva Rajya Nivruti Vetan Yojna: and Rashtriya Bima Yojna are very much less, especially in Urban Areas, due to proper action not being taken by Revenue Department to classify them as BPL or registering them under Sravanbal Yojna. Kindly get some instructions issued to Tehsildars, Municipal Authorities etc and concerned officers to get this done early and properly.(Items 7 to 11 were represented to Home Minister by name under my letter dt 22-8-10 followed by several reminders but no action is taken even after 9 months!).
12. Web Site for Senior Citizens: There is a necessity of separate Web Site for Senior Citizens of Maharashtra, as present State Web Site is cumbersome and difficult to get information easily.
As regards State Policy, it is understood that you are discussing with representatives of Senior Citizens, which had given draft to the State before some years and likely to notify by 15-8-11. As 15-8-11 is quite away, you may like to notify the draft on State Web Site for views of prominent expert citizens and interested Senior Citizens and their Organizations by giving a period of 20-30 days. As Review Committee has handed over their recommendations to Minister on 30-3-11 and draft is available on Help Age Web Site, those recommendations may also be kept in view.
We shall be thankful, if instructions/GRs etc, as necessary for above items are issued very early without waiting for notification of State Policy.
Yours sincerely,
(M.V.Ruparelia)
Associations of Senior Citizens- Their Achievements & Future.
Associations of Senior Citizens- Their Achievements & Future.
M.V.Ruparelia.
In view of very long life after retirement and very limited avenues to pass time usefully, there is absolute necessity of existence of Associations of Senior Citizens. Provision is clearly made in para 96 of National Policy of Older Persons (NPOP), 99 to establish such Associations at District, State & National levels to mobilize senior citizens, articulate their interests, promote and undertake programmes and activities for their well being and to advise the Government on all matters relating to the Older Persons. Even after 12 years, Government has neither bothered to establish any Association nor cared to recognize any of the existing Associations for any facilities, negotiations or even for sending copies of directives affecting Senior Citizens! Ministry of P.,P.G. & Pensions has recognized various Associations of Pensioners, send them all directives, make All-India level Associations as permanent members & others for 3 years by rotation on SCOVA for holding regular meetings; provided Computers free with direct link to Pensioners` Portal, issued directives to all departments to reply all representations by Pensioners` Associations, give them accommodation, if possible, invite them in Pension Adalats etc. This was brought to the notice of Shri Wasnikji, Minister of S.J.& E. in letter dt 2-8-10 by name but no action is taken inspite of reminders.
Inspite of this, large numbers of Associations have come up at local level, Federations at State level and Confederations at All India level giving opportunities to Senior Citizens to express & share their views, get knowledge about various facilities available, get entertainment, enjoy picnics, celebrate birthdays, health check ups, lectures on various subjects, attend seminars, group support etc. All India Senior Citizens Confederation, Help Age, Dignity Foundation, Harmony Foundation, Silver Innings and many others are doing Yemen service to Senior Citizens and fight for their cause & welfare. These Associations do not have any accommodations, enough funds nor any support or facilities from Government or Local Municipal Authorities. Let us see the achievements of some of the All India Associations. All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON) is the largest Association in the Country working from 28-12-2001 having largest number of affiliated Associations in 20 States & 3 Union Territories with more than 6 lakh members and holding Annual Conferences regularly in different parts of the Country. It has continuously represented the demands of Senior Citizens with Central & some States Governments; sent large number of resolutions; held National Seminars on important subjects etc. Dignity Foundation is working since 16 years and provided good reading material through monthly magazine and opened 12 Chai Masti Centres for gathering and passing time joyfully in various cities. In addition to Help Lines, large number of useful services on regular basis is provided. Help Age is doing tremendous job of serving poor Senior Citizens in health matter and have started working for other senior citizens also with huge funds coming from corporate bodies and grants. Silver Innings is managed by youngsters for welfare of elders and have done lot by coordinating with major organizations of senior citizens in Mumbai. There are many other Organizations, which have also done lot for senior citizens.
Due to various representations from these organizations and having brought to the notice of various Ministries that not implementing the provisions of NPOP, 99 by Government for 11 long years and thus committing Abuse of Elders of the Country, Government appointed a Review Committee on 28-1-10 to assess the present status of various issues concerning senior citizens in general & implementation of NPOP,99 in particular and to draft a New Policy. This is the Achievement of last year.
Seeing the lukewarm attitude of Government towards their Elders, 27 National & State level Organizations of senior citizens observed a ``Protest Day`` throughout the Country on 16-8-10. This was very effective and Finance Ministry accepted the age of 60 for Income Tax exemption and payment of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension to BPL senior citizens and giving special concessions to 80 & above senior citizens in this year`s Budget. Unity & Protest have achieved these benefits.
Role of Senior Citizens in Social Change: Senior Citizens are the think tank of the Country. Their potential is not used by Government or society and they are treated as second class citizens! They have done a lot in their prime time and have been partnering not only in achieving Independence but even in present day prosperous world class economy of the Country. They should continue to play important role in bringing social changes most required in present atmosphere of the Country. No doubt, senior citizens like Anna Hazare, APJ Abdulkalam and many others are leading the citizens for required social changes but all senior citizens should participate in social work and their active participation in various activities shall bring the required change in Society. It is now time to give back as much as possible.
1) Civic Facilities for all: They can keep an open eye on various civic facilities like maintenance & cleanliness of roads, supply of water & electricity, transport services, and wherever required, take up suitably with Civic Authorities by correspondence & personal visits. They should get nominated on various committees like Railway Users Committees, Human Rights Commission, Panchayats, Municipal Committees and various such committees dealing with common cause and welfare of all citizens.
2) Community Projects: They should take part in all projects like teaching adults & street children, Family Planning, Polio Drops, HIV Awareness, Non-smoking, Drinking, Respect for women, Special Drives like Census, Elections etc.
3) Law & Order Situation: Volunteering for such jobs at the time of festivals & other special occasions. They can form or be members of Peace Committees of their areas, Social Clubs etc and be helpful in neighborhood areas during situations like floods, earthquakes etc.
4) Maintenance of Facilities: They should help or takeover maintenance of gardens, gymkhanas, sports clubs, help in getting removed encroachments on footpaths, roads, garages & welding works from residential areas.
5) Help to needy Senior Citizens: They should collect full data of all Senior Citizens residing in their area and coordinate with other agencies for help of different kinds to needy, with Police for safety, maid servants etc.
6) Free Counseling: In the field of their expertise, they should give free counseling to Senior Citizens as well as others.
7) Visit to Hospitals, Old men’s Houses: They should regularly visit Hospitals, Old men’ Houses etc and look after requirements of Senior Citizens like giving company, reading for them, giving fruits etc, as possible by self or through others.
8) Social Service: They should join Senior Citizens Associations of their area and do good to Senior Citizens as well as others collectively. Take part in Services of Dignity Foundation & other Social Organizations.
9) Writing their Experiences: All should write their experiences & opinions on various social situations & problems for benefit of the Society in the field of their expertise without pride or prejudice & without fear or favour
Future of Senior Citizens Associations: Due to non-implementation of provisions of NPOP, 99 for providing such Associations at District, State & National level with financial support & negotiating powers and Review Committee having omitted this aspect, the future of Senior Citizens Associations appears to be very bleak. Demanding separate Ministry, Separate Directorate, National Council etc will bring no results unless grass-root level Associations of representatives of senior citizens are strengthened by providing them financial support & negotiating powers. To-day, no letters from any Associations are replied by any departments, resolutions passed and sent by Associations are just kept aside without any action, directives affecting senior citizens are not sent to any Associations, meetings of NCOP are not held regularly!! In these circumstances, what future of SCAs can be expected, though each Association is striving hard to do as much as possible for their Senior Citizens? Media (Para 88 of NPOP, 99) only can get respect and legitimate place in Society for their Elders and improve the position of their Associations by identifying various areas & issues of senior citizens by highlighting them & forcing the Government to give full negotiating rights at Local, State & All India level.
Associations of Senior Citizens- Their Achievements & Future.
Associations of Senior Citizens- Their Achievements & Future.
M.V.Ruparelia.
In view of very long life after retirement and very limited avenues to pass time usefully, there is absolute necessity of existence of Associations of Senior Citizens. Provision is clearly made in para 96 of National Policy of Older Persons (NPOP), 99 to establish such Associations at District, State & National levels to mobilize senior citizens, articulate their interests, promote and undertake programmes and activities for their well being and to advise the Government on all matters relating to the Older Persons. Even after 12 years, Government has neither bothered to establish any Association nor cared to recognize any of the existing Associations for any facilities, negotiations or even for sending copies of directives affecting Senior Citizens! Ministry of P.,P.G. & Pensions has recognized various Associations of Pensioners, send them all directives, make All-India level Associations as permanent members & others for 3 years by rotation on SCOVA for holding regular meetings; provided Computers free with direct link to Pensioners` Portal, issued directives to all departments to reply all representations by Pensioners` Associations, give them accommodation, if possible, invite them in Pension Adalats etc. This was brought to the notice of Shri Wasnikji, Minister of S.J.& E. in letter dt 2-8-10 by name but no action is taken inspite of reminders.
Inspite of this, large numbers of Associations have come up at local level, Federations at State level and Confederations at All India level giving opportunities to Senior Citizens to express & share their views, get knowledge about various facilities available, get entertainment, enjoy picnics, celebrate birthdays, health check ups, lectures on various subjects, attend seminars, group support etc. All India Senior Citizens Confederation, Help Age, Dignity Foundation, Harmony Foundation, Silver Innings and many others are doing Yemen service to Senior Citizens and fight for their cause & welfare. These Associations do not have any accommodations, enough funds nor any support or facilities from Government or Local Municipal Authorities. Let us see the achievements of some of the All India Associations. All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON) is the largest Association in the Country working from 28-12-2001 having largest number of affiliated Associations in 20 States & 3 Union Territories with more than 6 lakh members and holding Annual Conferences regularly in different parts of the Country. It has continuously represented the demands of Senior Citizens with Central & some States Governments; sent large number of resolutions; held National Seminars on important subjects etc. Dignity Foundation is working since 16 years and provided good reading material through monthly magazine and opened 12 Chai Masti Centres for gathering and passing time joyfully in various cities. In addition to Help Lines, large number of useful services on regular basis is provided. Help Age is doing tremendous job of serving poor Senior Citizens in health matter and have started working for other senior citizens also with huge funds coming from corporate bodies and grants. Silver Innings is managed by youngsters for welfare of elders and have done lot by coordinating with major organizations of senior citizens in Mumbai. There are many other Organizations, which have also done lot for senior citizens.
Due to various representations from these organizations and having brought to the notice of various Ministries that not implementing the provisions of NPOP, 99 by Government for 11 long years and thus committing Abuse of Elders of the Country, Government appointed a Review Committee on 28-1-10 to assess the present status of various issues concerning senior citizens in general & implementation of NPOP,99 in particular and to draft a New Policy. This is the Achievement of last year.
Seeing the lukewarm attitude of Government towards their Elders, 27 National & State level Organizations of senior citizens observed a ``Protest Day`` throughout the Country on 16-8-10. This was very effective and Finance Ministry accepted the age of 60 for Income Tax exemption and payment of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension to BPL senior citizens and giving special concessions to 80 & above senior citizens in this year`s Budget. Unity & Protest have achieved these benefits.
Role of Senior Citizens in Social Change: Senior Citizens are the think tank of the Country. Their potential is not used by Government or society and they are treated as second class citizens! They have done a lot in their prime time and have been partnering not only in achieving Independence but even in present day prosperous world class economy of the Country. They should continue to play important role in bringing social changes most required in present atmosphere of the Country. No doubt, senior citizens like Anna Hazare, APJ Abdulkalam and many others are leading the citizens for required social changes but all senior citizens should participate in social work and their active participation in various activities shall bring the required change in Society. It is now time to give back as much as possible.
1) Civic Facilities for all: They can keep an open eye on various civic facilities like maintenance & cleanliness of roads, supply of water & electricity, transport services, and wherever required, take up suitably with Civic Authorities by correspondence & personal visits. They should get nominated on various committees like Railway Users Committees, Human Rights Commission, Panchayats, Municipal Committees and various such committees dealing with common cause and welfare of all citizens.
2) Community Projects: They should take part in all projects like teaching adults & street children, Family Planning, Polio Drops, HIV Awareness, Non-smoking, Drinking, Respect for women, Special Drives like Census, Elections etc.
3) Law & Order Situation: Volunteering for such jobs at the time of festivals & other special occasions. They can form or be members of Peace Committees of their areas, Social Clubs etc and be helpful in neighborhood areas during situations like floods, earthquakes etc.
4) Maintenance of Facilities: They should help or takeover maintenance of gardens, gymkhanas, sports clubs, help in getting removed encroachments on footpaths, roads, garages & welding works from residential areas.
5) Help to needy Senior Citizens: They should collect full data of all Senior Citizens residing in their area and coordinate with other agencies for help of different kinds to needy, with Police for safety, maid servants etc.
6) Free Counseling: In the field of their expertise, they should give free counseling to Senior Citizens as well as others.
7) Visit to Hospitals, Old men’s Houses: They should regularly visit Hospitals, Old men’ Houses etc and look after requirements of Senior Citizens like giving company, reading for them, giving fruits etc, as possible by self or through others.
8) Social Service: They should join Senior Citizens Associations of their area and do good to Senior Citizens as well as others collectively. Take part in Services of Dignity Foundation & other Social Organizations.
9) Writing their Experiences: All should write their experiences & opinions on various social situations & problems for benefit of the Society in the field of their expertise without pride or prejudice & without fear or favour
Future of Senior Citizens Associations: Due to non-implementation of provisions of NPOP, 99 for providing such Associations at District, State & National level with financial support & negotiating powers and Review Committee having omitted this aspect, the future of Senior Citizens Associations appears to be very bleak. Demanding separate Ministry, Separate Directorate, National Council etc will bring no results unless grass-root level Associations of representatives of senior citizens are strengthened by providing them financial support & negotiating powers. To-day, no letters from any Associations are replied by any departments, resolutions passed and sent by Associations are just kept aside without any action, directives affecting senior citizens are not sent to any Associations, meetings of NCOP are not held regularly!! In these circumstances, what future of SCAs can be expected, though each Association is striving hard to do as much as possible for their Senior Citizens? Media (Para 88 of NPOP, 99) only can get respect and legitimate place in Society for their Elders and improve the position of their Associations by identifying various areas & issues of senior citizens by highlighting them & forcing the Government to give full negotiating rights at Local, State & All India level.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Facilities in Suburban trains of Mumbai.
M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East) Dist. Thane. 401107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
To Date: 17-5-11.
General Manager, General Manager,
Western Railway, Central Railway,
Churchgate-Mumbai-400020. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus-Mumbai-400001.
Dear Sirs,
Sub: Looking after Your Elders- National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 (NPOP,99).
The Government of India had declared the National Policy on Older Persons as early as 1999 covering all aspects required to be taken into account for welfare of Older Persons. The Policy declared the Older Persons as respected Citizens requiring strengthening of their legitimate place in the Society and to take all actions to help them to live their last phase of life with Purpose, Dignity and Peace. The Policy (para 68) provides fare concessions in all modes of travel with preferences in reservation of seats in Public Transport. We are thankful to both Railways for earmarking seats for Senior Citizens in Suburban Trains during non-peak hours. As you are aware, even in non-peak hours, it is difficult for Senior Citizens, who are frail & more handicapped than medically certified handicaps, due to age factor, to enter the overcrowded trains and avail of this facility. In view of this and in view of more trains with 12/15 compartments and 4 lines between Borivali-Virar Section, we request you to provide your Elders a small compartment like for handicapped and also permit them to travel by Ladies Special by earmarking one side of one coach to enable them to enter and reach Doctors/Pathological Centres, which are generally available in Morning Hours. We would also request you to earmark some seats in all First Class Compartments.
2. As per para 9.2 of Other Important Information in Western Zone Time Tables at page C 39, passengers holding through tickets up to Certain Terminals and desirous of travelling by local trains to suburban stations short of those Terminals are permitted to travel by local train up to destination shown in their tickets. This facility is not available for down trains. e.g. Passengers desiring to go to any station between Borivali to Virar or between Mumbai Central to Churchgate and similarly on Central Railway have to go to Suburban Booking Office with heavy luggage and purchase a ticket. All passengers including Senior Citizens find this very difficult due to overcrowded platforms and harassment of & non availability of coolies. Railways are a Public Utility Concerns and have liberalized various rules for Passengers` Conveniences & Amenities. e.g. all Exit Gates are kept unmanned and passengers are allowed to exit freely. Compared to such liberalization, this very old rule, which is causing undue harassment to passengers may kindly be modified. Tickets for last Station of Mumbai should permit passengers to travel one time within existing restriction of one hour to any station of suburban trains without being so much harassed as at present. This may kindly be considered sympathetically for all and if not possible, atleast for your Elders to avoid their abuse.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely,
Facilities in Suburban trains of Mumbai.
M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East) Dist. Thane. 401107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
To Date: 17-5-11.
General Manager, General Manager,
Western Railway, Central Railway,
Churchgate-Mumbai-400020. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus-Mumbai-400001.
Dear Sirs,
Sub: Looking after Your Elders- National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 (NPOP,99).
The Government of India had declared the National Policy on Older Persons as early as 1999 covering all aspects required to be taken into account for welfare of Older Persons. The Policy declared the Older Persons as respected Citizens requiring strengthening of their legitimate place in the Society and to take all actions to help them to live their last phase of life with Purpose, Dignity and Peace. The Policy (para 68) provides fare concessions in all modes of travel with preferences in reservation of seats in Public Transport. We are thankful to both Railways for earmarking seats for Senior Citizens in Suburban Trains during non-peak hours. As you are aware, even in non-peak hours, it is difficult for Senior Citizens, who are frail & more handicapped than medically certified handicaps, due to age factor, to enter the overcrowded trains and avail of this facility. In view of this and in view of more trains with 12/15 compartments and 4 lines between Borivali-Virar Section, we request you to provide your Elders a small compartment like for handicapped and also permit them to travel by Ladies Special by earmarking one side of one coach to enable them to enter and reach Doctors/Pathological Centres, which are generally available in Morning Hours. We would also request you to earmark some seats in all First Class Compartments.
2. As per para 9.2 of Other Important Information in Western Zone Time Tables at page C 39, passengers holding through tickets up to Certain Terminals and desirous of travelling by local trains to suburban stations short of those Terminals are permitted to travel by local train up to destination shown in their tickets. This facility is not available for down trains. e.g. Passengers desiring to go to any station between Borivali to Virar or between Mumbai Central to Churchgate and similarly on Central Railway have to go to Suburban Booking Office with heavy luggage and purchase a ticket. All passengers including Senior Citizens find this very difficult due to overcrowded platforms and harassment of & non availability of coolies. Railways are a Public Utility Concerns and have liberalized various rules for Passengers` Conveniences & Amenities. e.g. all Exit Gates are kept unmanned and passengers are allowed to exit freely. Compared to such liberalization, this very old rule, which is causing undue harassment to passengers may kindly be modified. Tickets for last Station of Mumbai should permit passengers to travel one time within existing restriction of one hour to any station of suburban trains without being so much harassed as at present. This may kindly be considered sympathetically for all and if not possible, atleast for your Elders to avoid their abuse.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely,
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