After announcing its plan to usher in senior citizens’ policy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) finally seems to be making its mind on execution of the same.
The civic body on Friday said it is mulling to bring in force the long-awaited policy on April 1.
Addressing the gathering of a group of senior citizens, who expressed their willingness to work towards BMC’s cause of conserving water, the corporation said administrative procedures are on to attain the deadline.
“The policy is being considered by the civic law committee. After its approval; it will be tabled before members of the House. Efforts are being made to introduce it at the inception of next fiscal,” civic chief Sitaram Kunte said, while reacting to demands put forth by BJP councillor Vinod Shelar, who has been pursuing the matter with the corporation. Shelar had, during the event, insisted the policy, which will influence over 11 lakh seniors in city when in force, be implemented from March.
The civic body had, on the occasion of international day for senior citizens on October 1 last year, announced introduction of the policy, responding to a proposal moved by Federation of Senior Citizens’ Organisation in Maharashtra.
The draft policy maintains allocation of funds for seniors in city’s financial plan, establishing day care and recreational centres (admeasuring 500 sqft each), creating special geriatric units in civic hospitals, launching helplines for citizens, among others.
"The policy has not seen much development for five months. Hopefully, the civic body sticks to its words for the welfare of the seniors,” Shelar said.
