Senior Citizens root for dedicated ’Ministry’

Senior Citizens root for dedicated ’Ministry’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 14, 2019: The Lok Sabha, elections are generating many good promises and demands with various parties going all out. A  Section of senior citizens in in DK and Udupi, as also the Country, are demanding that it is time for an exclusive ’Ministry for Senior Citizens’ at the Centre, political parties and leaders need to take heed now and consider the demand, as the voters from the aging population is large and can swing the results.  Karnataka alone has more than 5.1 crore voters;  5,579 are aged above 100 years.  1.47 lakh at least are between 99 and 90 years old. 32 lakh are in the 90 to 70 years age bracket - on the national level the figures are very promising and the power of the aged is strong too.

It is being highlighted, that without a proper Govt infrastructure to cater to and tackle the day to day and long term problems of the aged and helpless, they are  sidelined and also exploited in many ways - be in their own homes, institutions with concern to various needs.  Once a Central Govt Ministry is in place, it will be a catalyst for such Ministries in States and functional departments to look into matters will materialise in districts and taluks. While almost  all groups have Ministries, it is a wonder why such a Ministry does not exist and it is well past the time, considering the problems and harassment the aged face and the fact that they are not well enough to attend to their matters on hand.  The marginalised aged and sick, are worse off in this regard. All people great or not will have to face this difficult phase of life - age.

Every senior citizen, will endorse this need now and as new Govt is being formed, insist on it.  They are now a seriously neglected lot and face many a problem in their sun set years, with unnecessary suffering and exploitation at every step of their last days; after a life of struggle and contribution to the society and country.