Date:06/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/06/stories/2006030614930500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Senior citizens want tax benefits extended

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Senior Citizens and Pensioners Association, an organisation working for the welfare of the elderly and retired, has welcomed the increase in old age pension in the budget.

The organisation has also forwarded another list of demands for the perusal of the Finance Minister. Association State general secretary S.M.Chellaswamy urged the government to extend income tax benefits for all citizens above 60 years instead of the present qualifying age of 65. It has also demanded a 9 per cent interest on recurring deposit of senior citizens in nationalised banks and an increase in discount in railway reservation from 30 per cent to 50 per cent.