Welfare of Senior Citizens by State & Local Bodies.

To                                                              Date: 30-12-10.

Principal Secretary, Social Justice-Welfare of Senior Citizens.

Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai- 400032.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Non-Implementation of National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 in Maharashtra.

In absence of not declaring Policy for Maharashtra, Senior Citizens of Maharashtra are deprived of large number of benefits envisaged in NPOP, 99 for last 11 years. We shall be thankful, if following aspects are considered and early action taken.

1.      Celebrating International Day of Older Persons (IDOP):  It is observed that this Day is neither observed by State nor by Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies in Maharashtra inspite of repeated instructions from Nodal Ministry every year. It has been advised by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, New Delhi in reply to my recent Application under RTI that this year also, they had issued instructions under their directive under no. 15-39 (12)/09-10/AGII dt 3-9-10 (Copy enclosed) that these programmes should be organized with active involvement of Sr citizens, Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies etc. On enquiries from BMC & MBMC, it is given to understand that they are having no specific instructions from your side. Kindly issue proper detailed instructions to all concerned including all your departments and local bodies to celebrate this International Day to respect Elders of Maharashtra without waiting for further instructions from above, though instructions may be repeated every year in sufficiently advance time. Similar instructions for celebrating ``World Awareness Day of Abuse of Older Persons`` on 15^th June may also be issued. These celebrations will create proper atmosphere of Respect for Elders in the Society.

2.      Vayoshestha Sanmans: Nodal Ministry has given a list of 10 Sanmans given by them every year (copy enclosed), which they give in celebration of IDOP. Our State should also give similar Sanmans at State/District/Pachayat-Municipal levels.

3.      Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP)- Revised Scheme effective from

1-4-2008: Nodal Ministry has advised that as against National Allocation  to Maharashtra for this purpose in year 2008-09 of Rs 150 lakhs, only Rs 49.92 and against NA for 2009-10 of Rs 75 lakhs, only Rs 47.07 were released. Para 6 of the Revised Scheme has made Panchayati Raj Institutions & Local Bodies as main implementing Agencies. No instructions appear to have been issued to these agencies. Kindly make out a time bound programme for each Panchayat & Municipal Units to provide these 16 schemes in each ward within a year or two, as 90% of recurring & non-recurring expenditure will be borne by Nodal Ministry. Planning Commission has been requested to provide sufficient funds for these very useful 16 schemes.

4.      Involve Panchayati Raj Institutions & Municipalities for NPOP,99: Para 98 of NPOP, 99 reads as under: -

Panchayati Raj Institutions (and Local Bodies) will be encouraged to participate in implementation of National Policy, address local level issues & needs of the ageing population and implement programmes for them. They will provide Forums for discussing concerns of Older Persons & Activities that need to be taken. Such Forums will be encouraged at Panchayat, Block & District level. They will have adequate representation of older women. Panchayat will mobilize the talents & skills of older persons & draw up plans for utilizing these at local level. Amongst others, the help of the Social Justice Committees of the village panchayats will be taken to advocate different measures for giving effect to the Policy.

 Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Local Bodies and monitor the progress, as this will lead to real welfare of Elders of Maharashtra.

5.      Instructions to our Media (Para 88-89 of NPOP,99), Trusts, Charitable Hospitals/State & Municipal Hospitals ( Paras 34, 37 to 46, 60 to 64 , 74, 83-84, ) NGOs (Paras 47,61-62, 66, 72-77), Civic Authorities (Paras 54, 68-71, 80-82, 98) etc:  Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Stake Holders in Maharashtra, so that they start doing their portion of work, which may lead to our Elders leading dignified life during their last spell of life. Arrangements may please be made to obtain details of all Registered Associations/Organizations working for senior Citizens from Charity Commissioner or by inviting information from organizations and issue instructions to all Departments to endorse copy of all circulars/instructions affecting elders to Federations/State level Organizations. Similar list should be available with each Panchayat/ Municipality & each Ward Officer for their jurisdiction. State & Local Bodies should call for Meetings, Seminars etc for inter action with elders periodically.

6.      Annual Report of work done in the State for its Elders-Para 93 of NPOP,99: An annual report for all work done for Elders in the State should be prepared and brought out in Media on every International Day for Older Persons. This will not only monitor various actions by all authorities but boost morale of Elders of Maharashtra.

With a Hope that very early action will be taken and detailed reply will be given very early in terms of para 66 of Office Procedure Manual with copies of instructions issued on all above important issues, giving copy to AISCCON,FESCOM, Help Age, Silver Innings, which are actively working for Elders.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,