Committee set up to review National Policy for Older Persons

Committee set up to review National Policy for Older Persons

Mukul Wasnik Confers Vayoshreshtha Samman, 2010

International Day of Older Persons Celebrated

A Committee has been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Dr. Mohini Giri with representation of eminent persons and several concerned Union Ministries to review the National Policy for Older Persons and give its recommendations in the light of changing situation and experience gained through implementation of programmes for the elderly.

This was disclosed by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik here today. He was speaking after conferring the Vayosreshtha Samman, 2010 on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons.

Shri Wasnik said that the National Policy for Older Persons was formulated in 1999. Ten years have passed since then and therefore, it was felt that there was a need to review the Policy in changing social and economic conditions.

The Vayosreshtha Samman is given by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment each year to recognize the exemplary contribution of senior citizens in various fields and outstanding institutions working for the welfare of the elderly.Vayosreshtha Samman 2010 were given   to five eminent elderly and one Institutions in six categories including awards forLife time achievement; Centenarian; Courage and bravery; Creative art; Best mother; and Institutional Service.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mukul Wasnik informed the participants that the elderly population in India is projected to be around 8.3 crore in 2011. He said that the changing economic conditions, societal norms and traditions have unfortunately resulted in neglect and alienation of elders in some cases.  “This creates a challenging situation not only in terms of their health care but also about their financial security and emotional needs”, he said and added that the next few decades are going to test our ability to address the needs of ageing population.

The Minister said that we can take pride in the fact that India is one of the leading nations in the world where safeguarding the rights of the elderly has been an issue of paramount concern for the government. In this context, the mentioned the enactment of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 which he said, is a major milestone to provide for maintenance, shelter, health and security of senior citizens in the country. So far, 22 States and all UTs have notified the Act, Shri Wasnik informed.

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri D. Napoleon also spoke on the occasion. He said that The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is a progressive legislation and he urged the States which have not yet framed rules under this Act, to frame rules and appoint Maintenance Officers for Elderly Persons as per this legislation.  He also highlighted the recent initiatives taken by the Ministry to ensure healthy, active and dignified ageing in the country.

In his welcome address, Shri K M Acharya, Secretary(SJ&E) underlined the global phenomenon of demographic revolution and associated challenges. He briefly enumerated various steps taken by the Ministry to take care of social, economic and emotional security of elderly through various programmes and schemes.

As the concluding event of the day, a scintillating performance was given by the Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, the eminent Santoor player.

The function was organized by National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.