mangalore today

’Senior Citizens Act’ sought to be better implemented


Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 24, 2015:  Addressing media, Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhag, president of HRPF -   Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF) has impressed on the  government to take effective steps to implement the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, in the State.


Ravindranath

 He  stated  that though the Act had been passed eight years ago, its implementation in the State had not been proper. He also released a letter he had written in this regard to the Women and Child Welfare Minister Umashree.


He said that 80-year old Savitriamma from Udupi had got back her house due to the efforts of HRPF last year.


This  news  caused at least  190 senior citizens from 12 districts in the State to approach the HRPF  regarding various suffering  of ill treatment and/or misappropriation by their close family members.

Dr Shanbhag said HRPF had solved some of these problems through mediation between parents and their children. It had also approached the tribunals under Assistant Commissioners in some other cases under the Act, he said. The government should take better steps in implementation rather  just to publicity of the Act as it would benfit the senior citizens immensely. The government has failed to give adequate use of the Act.

In general terms  it was  stated that schemes and plans were  in place for all categories of society  while  the aged are shown no proper concern.  The middle class aged and sick are unable to meet their expenses due the the fact that their only income by investing in FD - fixed deposits is now a bad proposition and no alternative is in place from the Govts.  It is essential that not only an independent department is formed but even an independent Ministry is called for.