Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore   

Govt. approves policy for senior citizens

By Sahana Charan

BANGALORE Aug. 23. Violence against senior citizens is increasing in Bangalore, and the erstwhile "Pensioner's Paradise" was in danger of becoming an "elder's nightmare''. But things will soon change for the better. The State Government has announced a "Policy for senior citizens", with a view to providing assistance to elderly persons, and helping them spend their last days with dignity. The policy, which was formulated by the Department of Women and Child Development, was approved by the State Cabinet here on Saturday.

The policy has been developed on the lines of the "National policy for old persons" formulated by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

D. Thangaraj, Principal Secretary, Women and Development, told The Hindu that the major objectives of the State policy was to recognise that elderly persons were resourceful, and that they could render useful service to their families and society. He said that it envisaged extending support to them in terms of financial security, healthcare, shelter, and welfare schemes. ``We held meetings with various non-governmental organisations and welfare agencies to seek their suggestions regarding the policy. A draft policy was prepared based on the consultations and by incorporating the salient features of the national policy. The policy has been approved by the Cabinet,'' Mr. Thangaraj added.

Under the policy, it is planned to address the healthcare needs of the elderly. Medical and paramedical personnel under the primary health care system will be given orientation and training in geriatric care, and healthcare for senior citizens will take top priority. According to the policy, a welfare scheme and fund for the elderly will be set up. The main objective of the scheme will be to identify the more vulnerable among elderly persons, such as the poor and needy, for grant of old-age pension from the fund.

Mr. Thangaraj said that the policy aimed at giving protection to the elderly, particularly in urban areas. The Department of Women and Child Development would assist voluntary organisations working in the field, to provide security service to senior citizens and keep "friendly vigil" on them, he added.

Three per cent of houses/housing-sites under the Government's housing schemes for lower-income segments in urban and rural areas will be allotted to the elderly.

Pre-retirement counselling programmes will be promoted and assisted through the policy. Pension benefits will be settled promptly to those who retired on superannuation, and special consideration will be given to widows.

The policy will ensure that schemes and programmes of the Government reflect sensitivity to elders.

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