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Elderly meet to discuss issues, submit memorandum to state

Among other demands, the right to work emerged as one of the important ones. “Many senior citizens are keen to volunteer for social activities. There should be opportunities for volunteering and a bureau to coordinate these activities at the level of Nodal Ministry,” Gupta said.

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Seniors submitted a memorandum listing their pressing demands to the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry
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As many as 400 senior citizens from across the city participated in a one-day seminar at Azad Bhawan Auditorium in ITO on Tuesday to discuss several important issues, including the right to work, health security, pension, and safety and security of the elderly, among others. Later, they submitted a memorandum listing their pressing demands to the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry. 

“We have submitted a representation to the ministry, demanding amendments in the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007,” said JR Gupta, President, Senior Citizens Council of Delhi.

Among other demands, the right to work emerged as one of the important ones. “Many senior citizens are keen to volunteer for social activities. There should be opportunities for volunteering and a bureau to coordinate these activities at the level of Nodal Ministry,” Gupta said.

“In addition, opportunities such as computer training classes also need to be provided to the retired senior citizens. This will enable them to work even after retirement,” he added.

The elderly also demanded free medical check-ups under the right to health. “Free insurance cards should be issued to all senior citizens for treatment in government and private hospitals in all states, which will enable them to take care of themselves,” Gupta said.

Another major problem discussed at the seminar was pension for senior citizens, especially those who didn’t have bank accounts. “Those unable to access bank for various reasons may be paid by money order,” he added.

The elderly also insisted on ‘special cells’ for senior citizens at every police station. “There should be special cells, and separate housing societies in every police station for the senior citizens,” Gupta said, adding that the police should take strong action against those who abuse the elderly, and ensure right to dignity for the senior citizens.

There are nearly 11 crore senior citizens in India, with 11 lakh in Delhi alone. Recently, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation  (SDMC) had handed over one its Community Centres to the Senior Citizen Council of Delhi, to be used as a recreation centre.

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