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Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot assures full cooperation of M/o Social Justice and Empowerment in the welfare of Senior Citizens
The first meeting of the newly constituted National Council of Senior Citizens held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot here today. Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale and Secretary, M/o SJ&E Smt. Anita Agnihotri were present on the occasion
Addressing on the occasion Shri Thaarwarchand Gehlot welcomed all the new member of the Council and apprised them of their roles and responsibilities in the council. He said that ancient culture of our country signifies the importance of service to the old persons and senior citizens and it is our ancient tradition. He emphasized that the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is committed to formulate and implement positive schemes for the welfare of the senior citizens. He informed the members that the efforts are going on to increase the nominal amount of Old Age pension. He expressed his concern on the deteriorating safety and security condition of senior citizens in our country. He opined that without the proper cooperation of State Governments and NGOs, this purpose will not be served. He announced that now onwards ‘Vridhashram’ will be called “Vriddh Jan Grah” where all facilities of recreation and entertainment for the senior citizens will be available.
In his address Shri Ramdas Athwale said that the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is working towards the welfare of all senior citizens in the country and is supporting many organizations who are involved in this mission.
In her welcome address, Smt. Anita Agnihotri said that the 10 Agenda points for this meeting cover all aspects of welfare of senior citizens and their purpose is to ensure that the programme and policies for senior citizens are properly implemented.
The meeting discussed the following 10 Agendas:
- Review of the policy for Senior Citizens at Central and State levels.
- Review of the programme being implemented by different Ministries for the Welfare of Senior Citizens, such as IPOP, IGNOAPS, NPHCE etc.
- Review of the working of MWPSC Act, 2007.
- Review of measures taken by Government for the physical safety and security of Senior Citizens.
- Review of measures for the economic well being and financial security in Old Age, with special reference to Pension Plans, Reverse Mortgage Scheme etc.
- Discussion on Senior Citizens Welfare Fund.
- Review of Health care facilities with special reference to Geriatric care, Respite/Palliative care, Home care and Health Insurance.
- Review of concessions and other facilities available to Senior Citizens.
- Review of effectiveness of public administration in safeguarding the interest of Senior Citizens in the society.
- Evaluation of the extent of Awareness and Sensitization of younger generation regarding the special needs and right of Senior Citizens.
An autonomous National Council for Senior Citizens headed by the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment was set up to promote and co-ordinate the concerns of older persons. The Council includes representatives of relevant Central Ministries and the Planning Commission. Five States are represented on the Council by rotation. Adequate representation is given to non-official members representing Non-Government Organisations, Academic bodies, Media and Experts on Ageing issues from different fields.
Improved life expectancy has contributed to an increase in the number of persons 60+. From only 12 million person 60+ in India in 1901, the number crossed 20 million in 1951 and 57 million in 1991. Population projections for 1996-2016 made by the Technical Group on population Projections (1996) indicate that the 100 million mark is expected to be reached in 2013. Projections beyond 2016 made by the United Nations (1996 Revision) has indicated that India will have 198 million person 60+ in 2030 and 326 million in 2050. The percentage of person 60+ in the total population has seen a steady rise from 5.1 per cent n 1901 to 6.8 per cent in 1991. It is expected to reach 8.9 per cent in 2016. Projections beyond 2016 made by United Nations (1996 Revision) has indicated that 21 per cent of the Indian population will be 60+ by 2050.
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Sanjay Kumar/SJ&E/30.08.2016
(Release ID :149363)
Source : pib.nic.in
