To Date: 15-1-11.
Shri Pranav Mukherji,
Hon. Minister of Finance, Government of India,
North Block, New Delhi-110 011.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Budget for 2011-12- Provisions for Senior Citizens of the Country.
1. Our Culture respects our Elders and Our Governments at Centre & State/UTs level are led by Elderly Statesmen like you & Dr Man Mohan Singh, our beloved Prime Minister and as such Senior Citizens of our Country consider that they will be well-looked after by proper provisions in the ensuing Budget. It is a genuine demand of Elders of this Country that their beloved Finance Minister devotes some lines and few minutes in his Budget Speech every year bringing out the position of senior citizens prevailing during the year and provisions made for them during the year. This healthy practice will create an atmosphere in the entire Country- Society and Media also to respect their Elders.
2. The well-being of senior citizens is also mandated in the Constitution of India under Article 41. The Right to Equality is guaranteed by the Constitution as a Fundamental Right. Population Ageing is one of the most important global trends of the 21st century. 21st century may be considered as the Century of Elderly Persons and the 22nd will experience the phenomenon of “ageing of the aged”. In 2011, there will be 100 million senior citizens that would swell to 143 million by 2021 with 51% amongst them being women. Those over 80 years is the fastest growing segment of the population with the current 1% share in the total population expected to grow to 3.5% by the year 2050. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in a major shift in the age group of 80 years and over. During 2006-2050, while the overall population of India will rise by 40%, those over 60 years will increase by 270% and 80+ by 500%. This emerging trends call for tremendous efforts on the part of Finance Minister to cope up with new demands and challenges-economic, emotional and health. 100 million Senior Citizens is a very large segment of Electorate with influence on their children, their spouse & aged grandchildren and should therefore be looked after well by Government.
3. Senior citizens are a valuable resource for the county and Finance Ministry has to create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in the society. Finance Ministry has to extend their support for the poor segment, both above 60 years in urban and rural areas for social security, health care, shelter, welfare and protection against abuse and exploitation so that they can improve their quality of lives. There is an immediate need for setting up a separate Ministry for Senior Citizens at Central and State Level with a full time Secretary to implement the policy. Proper provision of funds for this purpose in ensuing Budget will help achieve this long felt necessity.
4. As you are processing the Budget for 2011-12, we request you to call for demands of all Ministries for implementation of their portion of the National Policy of Older Persons, 99 and give them the required funds for your CO-AGERS (ELDERS) and get them their benefits denied for last 11 years.
5. Senior Citizen is defined as a person of 60 years. Your Ministry gives concessions in Income Tax to those, who have completed 65 years. As a Senior Citizen needs financial relief immediately on retirement, his income having been reduced to half, this concession may be extended to all above 60 years. Number of Income-Tax paying Senior Citizens, as compared to all such tax payers is negligible and there would not be heavy burden, if all Senior Citizens are exempted from Income-Tax. Many Senior Citizens have been paying Income Tax from their early careers for last 30 to 70 years and have taken active part in achieving independence & present economic progress and that also justify total exemption, as their income is now limited and enough taxes are paid by them through income tax, consumables, service tax etc. If this not possible, exemption limits for Income Tax for Senior Citizens may be fixed as double the ordinary citizen, as the income after retirement is half the remuneration in service. The present limits may please be increased to 4 lakhs for 60 to 70; 5 lakhs for 71 to 80 and 7 lakhs for those above 80 or complete exemption for at least 80+.
6. As income of Senior Citizens is decreasing day by day due to increasing prices and World Recession factors, it is necessary to increase their income by way of 2% additional rate of interest, as against 1% at present for their Deposits in Banks & Post Offices, Savings Bank Accounts, Senior Citizens Saving Schemes etc. Interest rate for 80+ may be increased to 3%, as they have to spend lot for health care. Certain % of jobs in social orientation works should be reserved for their part time employment. Legislation /ordinance should be passed to utilize them in various activities by Government Departments & Local Bodies by paying honorarium.
7. Just as employment guarantee is provided to rural population by enacting Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Bharat Nirman etc, Urban Senior Citizens should be provided ample avenues of employment by passing suitable Act/ordinance and increasing retirement age etc
8. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension is a meagre amount of Rs 200 from Central Government for a BPL Family of 5 persons, which is a mockery of human being. This should be increased keeping in view that our Country is marching towards Top Economic Power of the World. Condition of belonging to BPL Family should be removed and financial limit of income should be fixed.
9. The financial situation of two-thirds of the population 60+ is that they are below the poverty line and there is a growing tendency of increase in homeless among urban elderly. According to recent analysis published in International Medical Journal-Lancet, illness expenditure pushes 39 million Indians every year to poverty. The growing poverty in the elderly segment is on increase. Per person spending for health by Government is 0.94% of GDP, the lowest in the World!! The 80 plus population of elderly deserves universal support for health care and security. Taxation policies should reflect sensitivity to the financial problems of senior citizens which accelerate due to very high costs of medical and nursing care, food, transportations and support services needed. For various purposes to provide relief to senior citizens of the Country, Finance Ministry was to create a Welfare Fund as per provisions in National Policy for Older Persons,99 (NPOP,99) but this has not been done, resulting in non-implementation of Policy for last 11 years, which has resulted in Abuse of Elders of the Country. It is high time that this Welfare Fund is created by provision in the ensuing Budget.
10. . In our country, there are no Pensions or Free/Concessional Medical Facilities etc for retired/unemployed citizens, as in developed countries even after 63 years of Independence and tremendous economic progress. Income of Senior Citizens gets reduced day by day due to deteriorating interest rates and unbearable dearness for food items and medical facilities. They do not enjoy fully Public Goods and Services provided by Government for citizens due to immobility and many other factors. Their ability to pay Tax gets reduced after retirement and from year to year due to less income, more expenditure on food & medicines. Their Net Worth gets reduced considerably as at the beginning of the year. There are many other factors, which also require to be considered and sincere efforts made to make their life liveable with dignity.
11. All Ministries at Centre & State/UT levels as well as Corporate World must look after their retired employees and give them all facilities being given to working employees. They should provide Welfare Fund on lines with Staff Benefit Fund on Railways for welfare of their retired employees, who should also be called in celebrations of all their functions open for serving employees to maintain contact and encouraging them to participate in such gatherings. An Appeal in Budget Speech to Corporate World to adopt poor Grand-Pas & Grand-Mas for looking after their all requirements and to spend at least 10% of their CSR Funds for welfare of Senior Citizens of their areas will go a long way to make the last spell of their lives happy & passing life with dignity. Both these actions will lessen the burden on Government.
12. At present, some deductions and allowances are allowed to serving employees from their income. In absence of any employment and utilization of Senior Citizens by Government, it is necessary for Senior Citizens to go somewhere or other compulsorily to pass their time usefully like going to temples, associations, pilgrimage, doctors, hospitals etc. They should also be given some monthly allowance like Transport Allowance etc.
13. Sec 80DDD provides rebate for treatment for prescribed diseases. Prescribed diseases do not include present life-style chronic diseases like heart problems, hyper tension, diabetes etc. As all Senior Citizens are suffering from some chronic ailment or other due to ageing, this provision should apply to all medical expenses and not restricted to present prescribed diseases only. As medical treatment is very costly, this limit of 60000 should separately apply to self and dependent spouse. As ailments due to ageing are beyond control of Senior Citizens, this is a disability and all provisions for Disability and Handicapped may also be applied to Senior Citizens.
14. At present, rebate is given to self-employed persons for rent in excess of 10%. Similar rebate may be given to Senior Citizens staying in rented houses.
15. At present, deduction for fees of 2 children is allowed. There are certain families in which children are not earning much and depend upon their parents. In such cases, if any Senior Citizens pay such fees for 2 grandchildren, they should be allowed this deduction. Similar deduction for payment of Insurance Premium paid by Senior Citizens for their children or grandchildren may also be allowed to them.
16. As per existing procedure, it is compulsory for deduction of Tax at source above Rs 10000 from one source. It is difficult for Senior Citizens to obtain certificate for exemption from Assessment Officer every year. Some procedure like giving Form
15 H etc may be laid down for Senior Citizens for entire interest income.
We request you earnestly to consider these aspects sympathetically and take prompt & proper action very early
A line in reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely
(M.V.Ruparelia)
By Registered A.D.
M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East), Dist. Thane. 401 107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
To Date. 15-1-11.
Dr. Manmohan Singhji,
Hon. Prime Minister, Government of India,
New Delhi-110 011.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Budget for 2011-12- Provisions for Senior Citizens of the Country.
1. Our Culture respects our Elders and Our Governments at Centre & State/UTs level are led by Elderly Statesmen like you and as such Senior Citizens of our Country consider that they will be well-looked after by proper provisions in the ensuing Budget. Due to your intervention, Review Committee was appointed for revising the existing National Policy of Older Persons, 99 and we are likely to get New Revised Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011 shortly. As Budget is very important document and whole Nation listens Budget Speeches, we request you to lay down a procedure that Finance Minister & Railway Minister speak something in their Budget Speeches for Senior Citizens bringing out the position of senior citizens prevailing in the Country during the year and provisions made for them during the year. This healthy practice will create an atmosphere in the entire Country- Society and Media also- to respect their Elders.
2. The well-being of senior citizens is also mandated in the Constitution of India under Article 41. The Right to Equality is guaranteed by the Constitution as a Fundamental Right. Population Ageing is one of the most important global trends of the 21st century. 21st century may be considered as the Century of Elderly Persons and the 22nd will experience the phenomenon of “ageing of the aged”. In 2011, there will be 100 million senior citizens that would swell to 143 million by 2021 with 51% amongst them being women. Those over 80 years is the fastest growing segment of the population with the current 1% share in the total population expected to grow to 3.5% by the year 2050. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in a major shift in the age group of 80 years and over. During 2006-2050, while the overall population of India will rise by 40%, those over 60 years will increase by 270% and 80+ by 500%. This emerging trends call for tremendous efforts on the part of Finance Minister to cope up with new demands and challenges-economic, emotional and health. 100 million Senior Citizens is a very large segment of Electorate with influence on their children, their spouse & aged grandchildren and should therefore be looked after well by Government.
3. Senior citizens are a valuable resource for the county and Finance Ministry by making proper provisions in Budget has to create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in the society. Finance Ministry has to extend their support for the poor segment, both above 60 years in urban and rural areas for social security, health care, shelter, welfare and protection against abuse and exploitation so that they can improve their quality of lives. There is an immediate need for setting up a separate Ministry for Senior Citizens at Central and State Level with a full time Secretary to implement the policy. Your directive for proper provision of funds for this purpose in ensuing Budget will help achieve this long felt necessity.
4. A person retires from service at 60 compulsorily and has nothing to do. He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health & connected problems! He abuses himself!! He develops inertia of doing nothing; he does not participate in any functions, does not go to any Associations, and develops inertia in many respects. You can find many Senior Citizens just sitting in groups on closed premises of Banks or Shops, as they are not welcome in their houses. They have no respect in family or society! They just kill their time watching passing vehicles & women!! Just as employment guarantee is provided to rural population by enacting Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Bharat Nirman etc, Urban Senior Citizens should be provided ample avenues of employment by passing suitable Act/ordinance and increasing retirement age etc. Daily Care Centers, Multi Service Centers should be provided early by the Governments, Municipalities-Panchayats and Corporate Sectors for enabling Senior Citizens to stop their own Abuse and pass their time actively and usefully. This is the first and foremost Abuse by these agencies and as such we request our very beloved Prime Minister to give serious thought to this pitiable position and problem and create sufficient avenues for utilization of this large Think-Tank of the Country.
5. Another aspect of Elders` life requiring your personal advice to Health Minister is about Health problems of elderly for which detailed provisions are made in paras 33 to 47 in the Policy but nothing much is done by Health Ministry. You will be surprised to know that no action is taken by Health Ministry for last 11 years on this Policy, 99, as there were no funds available for Health Care of the Elderly in 9th & 10th Five Year Plans, as advised in letter no. F.No.T-21014/02/2008-NCD dt 3-3-08. Health Care Needs of Elderly are required to be given high priority, as health problems are associated with age and cost of Health Care is very high and beyond reach of Elders. Health Ministry has to provide free/concessional treatments by legislating and controlling public & private Hospitals/Dispensaries/Doctors/Medicine Producers etc. Charitable Trusts etc are to be encouraged by giving grants, tax concessions, land at subsidized rate etc for providing free/concessional treatment to Elders. Geriatric wards are absolutely necessary in all Hospitals. Special Training to treat Elders with respect and care is necessary. Guidance about diet etc to Elders and proper training to Care Givers is also required to be provided early. Health Education programmes involving mass Media is also to be arranged. Provision for mental health, Alzheimer diseases, hospices etc is required to be made early. Health Insurance has also to be made affordable, permitting entry at any age with pre-existing diseases etc. A separate Fund to provide subsidies for insurance for all is required to be created as per Sastry Committee recommendations. Just like IRDA, a Regulatory Authority for Private Hospitals and Fixation of charges for each Medical Process, as suggested by Armed Forces Medical College, Pune are required to be created very early. Medicines have to be made cheaper by obtaining concessions from manufacturers and providing subsidies. A National Programme for Health Care of Elderly & development of National Institute s of Aging is approved for the remaining period of 11th Plan Period (2010-12) but the Operational & Financial Guidelines for implementation are yet to be finalized in consultation with participating States. This state of affairs in Health Ministry requires your personal attention.
6. States are also not implementing the orders/directives of Nodal Ministry and many have not adopted State Policy and created State Councils etc. You may draw special attention of Chief Ministers, giving them targets.
We request you earnestly to consider these aspects sympathetically and take prompt & proper action very early.
A line in reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely
(M.V.Ruparelia)
By Registered A.D.
M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East), Dist. Thane. 401 107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
To Date. 15-1-11.
Shri Mukul Wasnikji,
Hon. Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,
Government of India, Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi-110 001.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Budget Provisions for 2011-12 for Senior Citizens.
1. Now that New National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011 is likely to be available shortly and is having similar provisions, as in NPOP,99, it is absolutely necessary that all Stake Holders are asked to make necessary Budget Provisions for early implementation of the Policy.
2. The well-being of senior citizens is mandated in the Constitution of India under Article 41. The Right to Equality is guaranteed by the Constitution as a Fundamental Right. Population Ageing is one of the most important global trends of the 21st century. 21st century may be considered as the Century of Elderly Persons and the 22nd will experience the phenomenon of “ageing of the aged”. In 2011, there will be 100 million senior citizens that would swell to 143 million by 2021 with 51% amongst them being women. Those over 80 years is the fastest growing segment of the population with the current 1% share in the total population expected to grow to 3.5% by the year 2050. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in a major shift in the age group of 80 years and over. During 2006-2050, while the overall population of India will rise by 40%, those over 60 years will increase by 270% and 80+ by 500%. This emerging trends call for tremendous efforts on the part of Nodal Minister to cope up with new demands and challenges-economic, emotional and health. 100 million Senior Citizens is a very large segment of Electorate with influence on their children, their spouse & aged grandchildren and should therefore be looked after well by Government.
3. Senior citizens are a valuable resource for the county and Nodal Ministry by making proper provisions in Budget has to create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in the society. Nodal Ministry has to provide for the poor segment, both above 60 years in urban and rural areas for social security, health care, shelter, welfare and protection against abuse and exploitation so that they can improve their quality of lives. There is an immediate need for setting up a separate Ministry for Senior Citizens at Central and State Level with a full time Secretary to implement the policy. Your initiative for proper provision of funds for this purpose in ensuing Budget will help achieve this long felt necessity.
4. First and Foremost Abuse in our Country is Non-utilization of Senior Citizens!! A person retires from service at 60 compulsorily and has nothing to do. He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health & connected problems! He abuses himself!! He develops inertia of doing nothing; he does not participate in any functions, does not go to any Associations, and develops inertia in many respects. Even after 11 years of formation of the Policy for their overall upliftment, you can find many Senior Citizens just sitting in groups on closed premises of Banks, Shops, Bus Stops etc, as they are not welcome in their houses. They have no respect in family or society! They just kill their time watching passing vehicles & women!! One third of Senior Citizens are Below Poverty Line and another one third little above but with lower income and thus two third is in fragile financial position as brought out in para 24 of the Policy. Just as employment guarantee is provided to rural population by enacting Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), Bharat Nirman and Nine Flagship Schemes etc, Senior Citizens should be provided with social security and ample avenues of employment by passing suitable Act/ordinance and increasing retirement age etc. Even Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension is a meager amount of Rs 200 from Central Government for a Senior Citizen belonging to BPL Family of 5 persons, which is a mockery of human being. Even the procedure of classifying as BPL is very complicated and requires to be simplified. The amount of Pension and eligibility for being classified should be increased considerably, keeping in view the Country’s GDP and Average National Income etc and Abuse of poor elders reduced. This work should be got transferred to Nodal Ministry from Rural development at an early date. Daily Care Centers, Multi Service Centers should be provided early by the Municipalities-Panchayats and Corporate Sectors for enabling Senior Citizens to stop their own Abuse and pass their time actively and usefully. This is the first and foremost Abuse by these agencies and as such we request our very capable Guardian Minister to give serious thought to this pitiable position and problem and create sufficient avenues for utilization of this large Think-Tank of the Country.
5. Another aspect of Elders` life requiring your personal chasing with other Ministers and States is Health problems of elderly for which detailed provisions are made in paras 33 to 47 in the Policy but nothing much is done by Health Ministry. You will be surprised to know that no action is taken by Health Ministry for last 10 years on this Policy, 99, as there were no funds available for Health Care of the Elderly in 9th & 10th Five Year Plans, as advised in letter no. F.No.T-21014/02/2008-NCD dt 3-3-08. Health Care Needs of Elderly are required to be given high priority, as health problems are associated with age and cost of Health Care is very high and beyond reach of Elders. Health Ministry has to provide free/concessional treatments by legislating and controlling public & private Hospitals/Dispensaries/Doctors/Medicine Producers etc. Charitable Trusts etc are to be encouraged by giving grants, tax concessions, land at subsidized rate etc for providing free/concessional treatment to Elders. Geriatric wards are absolutely necessary in all Hospitals. Special Training to treat Elders with respect and care is necessary. Guidance about diet etc to Elders and proper training to Care Givers is also required to be provided early. Health Education programmes involving mass Media is also to be arranged. Provision for mental health, Alzheimer diseases, hospices etc is required to be made early. Health Insurance has also to be made affordable, permitting entry at any age with pre-existing diseases etc. A separate Fund to provide subsidies for insurance for all is required to be created as per Sastry Committee recommendations. Just like IRDA, a Regulatory Authority for Private Hospitals and Fixation of charges for each Medical Process, as suggested by Armed Forces Medical College, Pune are required to be created very early. Medicines have to be made cheaper by obtaining concessions from manufacturers and providing subsidies. A National Programme for Health Care of Elderly & development of National Institute s of Aging is approved for the remaining period of 11th Plan Period (2010-12) but the Operational & Financial Guidelines for implementation are yet to be finalized in consultation with participating States. This state of affairs in Health Ministry requires your personal attention.
6. The financial situation of two-thirds of the population 60+ is that they are below the poverty line and there is a growing tendency of increase in homeless among urban elderly. According to recent analysis published in International Medical Journal-Lancet, illness expenditure pushes 39 million Indians every year to poverty. The growing poverty in the elderly segment is on increase. Per person spending for health by Government is 0.94% of GDP, the lowest in the World!! The 80 plus population of elderly deserves universal support for health care and security. Taxation policies should reflect sensitivity to the financial problems of senior citizens which accelerate due to very high costs of medical and nursing care, food, transportations and support services needed. For various purposes to provide relief to senior citizens of the Country, Finance Ministry was to create a Welfare Fund as per provisions in National Policy for Older Persons,99 (NPOP,99) but this has not been done, as no proposal was sent to them by Nodal Ministry, as advised by them. This has resulted in non-implementation of many important provisions of Policy for last 11 years, which has resulted in Abuse of Elders of the Country. It is high time that this Welfare Fund is got created by provision in the ensuing Budget.
7. In our country, there are no Pensions or Free/Concessional Medical Facilities etc for retired/unemployed citizens, as in developed countries even after 63 years of Independence and tremendous economic progress. Income of Senior Citizens gets reduced day by day due to deteriorating interest rates and unbearable dearness for food items and medical facilities. They do not enjoy fully Public Goods and Services provided by Government for citizens due to immobility and many other factors. Their ability to pay Tax gets reduced after retirement and from year to year due to less income, more expenditure on food & medicines. Their Net Worth gets reduced considerably as at the beginning of the year. There are many other factors, which also require to be considered and sincere efforts made to make their life liveable with dignity. This mainly depends upon the actions of Nodal Ministry.
8. All Ministries including yours at Centre & State/UT levels as well as Corporate World must look after their retired employees and give them all facilities being given to working ememployees. They should provide Welfare Fund on lines with Staff Benefit Fund on Railways for welfare of their retired employees, who should also be called in celebrations of all their functions open for serving employees to maintain contact and encouraging them to participate in such gatherings. An Appeal by Nodal Ministry to Corporate World to adopt poor Grand-Pas & Grand-Mas for looking after their all requirements and to spend at least 10% of their CSR Funds for welfare of Senior Citizens of their areas will go a long way to make the last spell of their lives happy & passing life with dignity. Both these actions of issuing instructions/appeals by Nodal Ministry will lessen the burden on Government.
We request you earnestly to consider these aspects sympathetically and take prompt & proper action very early.
A line in reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely
(M.V.Ruparelia)
By Registered A.D.
M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East), Dist. Thane. 401 107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
To Date. 15-1-11.
Shri Gulam Nabi Azadji,
Hon. Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi-110 011.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Budget Provisions for 2011-12 for Senior Citizens.
1. As Finance Ministry is processing the Budget for 2011-12, we request you to provide liberally for implementation of various provisions of the National Policy of Older Persons,99 for your Elders and get them their benefits denied for last 11 years. Health Ministry is concerned with paras 33 to 47 of the Policy, 99 and each para has a far reaching effect on health of Senior Citizens. Though National Programme for Health Care of Elderly & development of National Institute s of Aging is approved for the remaining period of 11th Plan Period (2010-12), the Operational & Financial Guidelines for implementation are yet to be finalized in consultation with participating States. This state of affairs in Health Ministry requires your personal attention.
2. Now that New National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011 is likely to be available shortly and is having similar provisions, as in NPOP, 99, it is absolutely necessary that necessary Budget Provisions for early implementation of the Policy is made very early to avoid Abuse of Senior Citizens of the Country. Your Ministry must also look after your retired employees and give them all facilities being given to working employees. You should provide Welfare Fund on lines with Staff Benefit Fund on Railways for welfare of your retired employees, who should also be called in celebrations of all your functions open for serving employees to maintain contact and encouraging them to participate in such gatherings.
3. The well-being of senior citizens is mandated in the Constitution of India under Article 41. The Right to Equality is guaranteed by the Constitution as a Fundamental Right. Population Ageing is one of the most important global trends of the 21st century. 21st century may be considered as the Century of Elderly Persons and the 22nd will experience the phenomenon of “ageing of the aged”. In 2011, there will be 100 million senior citizens that would swell to 143 million by 2021 with 51% amongst them being women. Those over 80 years is the fastest growing segment of the population with the current 1% share in the total population expected to grow to 3.5% by the year 2050. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in a major shift in the age group of 80 years and over. During 2006-2050, while the overall population of India will rise by 40%, those over 60 years will increase by 270% and 80+ by 500%. This emerging trends call for tremendous efforts on the part of Health Minister to cope up with new demands and challenges-economic, emotional and health. 100 million Senior Citizens is a very large segment of Electorate with influence on their children, their spouse & aged grandchildren and should therefore be looked after well by Government.
4. Senior citizens are a valuable resource for the county and Health Ministry by making proper provisions in Budget has to create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in the society. Health Ministry has to provide for the poor segment, both above 60 years in urban and rural areas for social security, health care, shelter, welfare and protection against abuse and exploitation so that they can improve their quality of lives.
5. You will be surprised to know that no action is taken by Health Ministry for last 11 years on this Policy, 99, as there were no funds available for Health Care of the Elderly in 9th & 10th Five Year Plans, as advised in letter no. F.No.T-21014/02/2008-NCD dt 3-3-08. We therefore request you to look in to this extreme Abuse of Elders seriously and take immediate steps at your level and provide early relief to ailing Elderly Citizens by seriously and sincerely considering each para.
6. Health Care Needs of Elderly are required to be given high priority, as health problems are associated with age and cost of Health Care is very high and beyond reach of Elders. Health Ministry has to provide free/concessional treatments by legislating and controlling public & private Hospitals/Dispensaries/Doctors/Medicine Producers etc. Charitable Trusts etc are to be encouraged by giving grants, tax concessions, land at subsidized rate etc for providing free/concessional treatment to Elders. Geriatric wards are absolutely necessary in all Hospitals. Special Training to treat Elders with respect and care is necessary. Guidance about diet etc to Elders and proper training to Care Givers is also required to be provided early. Health Education programmes involving mass Media is also to be arranged. Provision for mental health, Alzheimer diseases, hospices etc is required to be made early. Health Insurance has also to be made affordable, permitting entry at any age with pre-existing diseases etc. A separate Fund to provide subsidies for insurance for all is required to be created as per Sastry Committee recommendations. Just like IRDA, a Regulatory Authority for Private Hospitals and Fixation of charges for each Medical Process, as suggested by Armed Forces Medical College, Pune are required to be created very early. Medicines have to be made cheaper by obtaining concessions from manufacturers and providing subsidies.
We request you earnestly to consider these aspects sympathetically and take prompt & proper action very early.
A line in reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely
(M.V.Ruparelia)
By Registered A.D.
M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East), Dist. Thane. 401 107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
To Date. 15-1-11.
Hon. Mamta Banerjee,
Minister of Railways, Government of India,
Rail Bhawan, New Delhi-110 011.
Respected Didiji,
Sub: Budget Provisions for 2011-12 for Senior Citizens.
1. As Railway Ministry is processing the Budget for 2011-12, we request you to provide liberally for implementation of various provisions of the National Policy of Older Persons,99 for your retired employees and all Elders of the Country and get them their benefits denied for last 11 years. Railway Ministry is concerned with various paras, as detailed in enclosed Annexure A. It is requested that early action may be taken to implement these provisions to avoid Abuse of your retired employees and other Senior Citizens of the Country. Your Ministry must also look after your retired employees and give them all facilities being given to working employees. You should provide Welfare Fund on lines with Staff Benefit Fund, as provided for serving employees for welfare of your retired employees, who should also be called in celebrations of all your functions open for serving employees to maintain contact and encouraging them to participate in such gatherings.
2. Now that New National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011 is likely to be available shortly and is having similar provisions, as in NPOP, 99, it is absolutely necessary that necessary Budget Provisions for early implementation of the Policy is made very early to avoid Abuse of Senior Citizens of the Country.
3. Our Culture respects our Elders. As Budget is very important document and whole Nation listens Budget Speeches, we request you to lay down a procedure that you speak something in your Budget Speech for your retired employees and Senior Citizens bringing out their position prevailing in the Country during the year and provisions made for them during the year. This healthy practice will create an atmosphere in the entire Country- Society, Working Staff and Media also- to respect their Elders.
4. The well-being of senior citizens is mandated in the Constitution of India under Article 41. The Right to Equality is guaranteed by the Constitution as a Fundamental Right. Population Ageing is one of the most important global trends of the 21st century. 21st century may be considered as the Century of Elderly Persons and the 22nd will experience the phenomenon of “ageing of the aged”. In 2011, there will be 100 million senior citizens that would swell to 143 million by 2021 with 51% amongst them being women. Those over 80 years is the fastest growing segment of the population with the current 1% share in the total population expected to grow to 3.5% by the year 2050. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in a major shift in the age group of 80 years and over. During 2006-2050, while the overall population of India will rise by 40%, those over 60 years will increase by 270% and 80+ by 500%. This emerging trends call for tremendous efforts on the part of Finance Minister to cope up with new demands and challenges-economic, emotional and health. 100 million Senior Citizens is a very large segment of Electorate with influence on their children, their spouse & aged grandchildren and should therefore be looked after well by Government.
5. Senior citizens are a valuable resource for the county and Railway Ministry by making proper provisions in Budget has to create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in the society.
6. You will be surprised to know that there is no reservation for Senior Citizens in any of the trains, except 2 berths for ladies above 45 & Senior Citizens traveling alone in AC & Sleeper Coaches. Sufficient number of berths is required to be reserved for elders in view of their physical weakness. Even in suburban trains, no separate coach as for ladies & handicaps is provided, making their travel in suburban train impossible. They have to go for medical treatment in morning hours but cannot enter the train. Some seats are reserved between some specified time but it is difficult to reach those seats due to heavy rush during that period also. Western Railway in Mumbai has increased seats & timings but it is next to impossible for Senior Citizens to enter suburban trains. We request you to give your personal attention to this burning issue and get us sufficient quota for reservation in through trains and separate coach in suburban trains. Reservation counters for Senior Citizens are also combined with different quota holders and tatkal bookings, causing lot of inconvenience for standing for reservation. Last year Concession to women elders is increased to 50%. We request to increase it to same level this year for gents also. There is a system of automatic upgradation from lower to higher class of travel without paying any difference. Preference should be given to Senior Citizens including retired employees in such upgradation.
7. As you have announced your desire to issue monthly passes for Rs. 50 for students and Rs. 20 passes for vendors, we request you to give such passes to us-your Elders also, who have serious problem of passing time. Such Passes to them will be well utilized in visiting various places of our Country and also for doing service to the Society.
We request you earnestly to consider these aspects sympathetically and take prompt & proper action very early.
A line in reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.
Thanking You,
Encl: 1.
Yours Sincerely
(M.V.Ruparelia)
Annexure showing Action required to be taken on various Paras of NPOP,99:
ii) Para 35: To expand the health services in various Railways including other independent Units for preventive, rehabilitative and geriatric care facilities for retired employees.
iii) Para 39: To issue instructions for separate ques for retired employees and to ensure its implementation by monitoring and/or reiterating instructions. Geriatric wards are to be set up in all Railway Hospitals.
iv) Para 40, 41, 86: To issue instructions for training of Railway Doctors & other Para-Medical staff for proper care and respect for retired employees. To provide Mobile care and hospice care for bed ridden employees in various hospitals.
v) Para 42 & 43: To issue instructional/guidance/nutritional material on self care of retired employees.
vi) Para 44 & 45: To issue instructions to promote healthy ageing amongst the retired staff. To issue instructions to treat their retired elders properly and to educate them for healthy ageing and to provide facilities of yoga, meditation etc. There should be proper education programs for retired staff and they should be taken on Advisory Committees to bring out difficulties faced by them in getting treatment, keeping in view the spirit of NPOP, 99. Repeated orientation training and instructions to treat retired staff with respect by Doctors and staff are necessary.
vii) Para 46: To provide Counseling facilities in various hospitals.
Transportation:
vii) Para 68: a) To give 50% concession to all Senior Citizens, as by Air & State Road Transport without distinguishing between Gents & Ladies.
b) No quota is fixed for reservation for Senior Citizens in any of the trains, though large quotas are fixed for ladies, handicaps, military & VIPs. Senior Citizens above 70-75 are more vulnerable than handicaps and ladies. More quotas may be given.
c) In suburban trains also, not only some compartments but entire trains are reserved for ladies but Senior Citizens are denied a small separate coach, as given to handicaps. With the deteriorating health condition, when they are required to go to doctors, consultants, Hospitals etc in the morning for pathological tests, they are facing hardships and as such, they should be provided separate coach or permitted to go in coaches/trains reserved for ladies & handicaps.
d) Railways are having large number of Holiday Homes, Rest Houses, Convalescent Homes etc and not given concessions in rent though provision of this para provides for concession to Senior Citizens.
viii) Para 70: Railways are having a big Publicity Department but no instructions are issued by Ministry to Railways to highlight the issues pertaining to their retired staff every year on 1st October and call them on that occasion for Get-Together and meeting each other and know about their problems etc. Existing Welfare Branches at Ministry as well as local levels can be instructed to do needful, as envisaged in various paras of the Policy.
ix) Para 73: Railways are having well organized Personnel Department with Efficient Negotiating Machinery. They may be pursued to have continuous dialogue with NGOs doing welfare of Senior Citizens of Railways and recognize/encourage Associations of Senior Citizens of Railways by giving accommodation, place for their meetings etc. They have large number of Welfare Centres through out the Country and these can be allowed for retired staff & their Association of Senior Citizens.
x) Para 76: Railways can set up voluntary programmes for participation of retired staff in their various programmes, celebrations of Railway Week etc. They can also provide Colonies for Retired Staff with basic facilities.
xi) Para 78 & 79: Railway work is specialized one and retired staff is well trained to tackle various works efficiently. Railways need trained staff in different circumstances and also during vacation period, there is lot of absenteeism. Retired staff should be engaged freely without any age restriction. Instructions should be issued by Ministry of Railways to utilize capable retired staff and enrich & update their knowledge.
xii) Para 93: Annual Plan & Five Year Plan for implementing various provisions of the Policy are required to be prepared.
