Forum against abuse of the elderly

For senior citizens across the country, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on Monday, is the start of a new campaign. Declared by United Nations, the day serves as a reminder to the world to ensure implementation of various policies by the government to support the elderly. However, in India, various NGOs and support groups across the country are using the day to draw attention to the plight of senior citizens and the apathy of the government in not implementing various policies effectively.

“Our government had declared a comprehensive National Policy of Older Persons in 1999 with a clear directive. But, no action has been taken on the implementation of the policy. Even the chief information commissioner, Delhi, has taken note of the non-implementation and given a clear directive to outline the plan of action in a time bound manner for the larger benefit of older persons.

Not implementing this policy by central and state governments and other stakeholders even after 11 years is nothing but deplorable abuse of elders in India,” said MV Ruparelia, senior citizen activist. Another grouse against the state government is the failure to implement the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. It is implemented partially in only three states in the last three years. However, senior citizens in 32 states are still deprived of its benefits.

Furthermore, according to Ruparelia, the worst sufferers are the 65+ belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. “Around 70% of them live in villages and survive by doing physical labour. They are miserable because they are unable to do hard work due to age related disabilities. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme assured them a pension of a minimum Rs400, which would have made their last few years a little comfortable. However, out of 35 states in the country, 24 have not bothered to even look at this scheme,” he said.

With the objective of bringing it to the notice of the people and government, various non-government organisations (NGO) across the country working in the field are tying up to form an alliance and observe August 16 as National Protest Day to highlight their grievances to the governments. Some of the participating NGOs include All India Senior Citizen Confederation (AISCCON), Nerul, Silver Lining, Bandra, Maharashtra federation of senior citizens, Harmony, Dignity Foundation, etc.

“More than 30 NGOs and voluntary organisations are participating in this,” Ruparelia said.