To Date: 18-12-09.
Shri Mukul Wasnik,
Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,
Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
Dear Sir,
Sub: Reviewing the National Policy of Older Persons, 1999.
Ref: Your Ministry?s letter no. 15-37(6)/07-08/AG dt 20-11-09 in reply to my letter dt 27-5-09 to Prime Minister of India.
1. For our request to give a comprehensive plan for Senior Citizens covering all points enumerated in NPOP,99 and to create a Welfare Fund for Elders early, it has been advised in your above that 10 years have passed since the announcement of the Policy and that the Policy is being reviewed. It is hoped that the Policy is being reviewed after 10 years for making it more Elder-Friendly and not for adverse/down sizing amendments to this wonderful piece of Policy containing 98 Paras, covering all aspects of life of Elders of our Country. We request you to appoint a Committee of prominent Senior Citizens for this Review also, as was done for formation of this Policy.
2. As the Policy has not been implemented in right spirit by most of the Stake-Holders even after 10 years, resulting in Abuse of Elders of our Country, it is requested to propose a legislation defining the scope and duties of all Stake-Holders viz Nodal Ministry, other Central Ministries, State/UT authorities, Municipal-Panchayat authorities, Public Sector Undertakings, Major Corporates, Big Business Houses employing large number, Trusts, NGOs, Powerful Media etc. Even Chief Information Commissioner, Delhi expressed his displeasure on 27-6-08 in Case no. CIC/MA/A/2008/00645 of your Ministry that the Policy adopted is not effectively implemented resulting in Senior Citizens being deprived of the benefits assured to them. CIC directed your Ministry to clearly outline the Plan of Action & indicate its outcome for the LARGER BENEFITS OF THE SOCIETY. Your Ministry has not complied with this Statutory Directive of CIC, Delhi so far even after 18 MONTHS! While reviewing, the Nodal Ministry has to be provided with wide powers (teeth) to get implementation done as per fixed targets. This is absolutely necessary, as Nodal Ministry continues to be of the view that this Policy is only a guiding factor and its role is only of persuasive nature and it can not direct the implementing agencies to implement a particular provision within a fixed target ( Ministry?s letter of same no. dt 11-7-08). Most of Central Ministries feel and act indifferently and even give in writing that they are not concerned with this Policy and it is only the Nodal Ministry, which has to take action. Some Ministry has even said that they have not seen the Policy even in the year 2008-09! Most of the States & Union Territories have not yet adopted this Policy even after 10 years nor have constituted State Councils. No other Stake- Holders have been told in writing so far about their role in this Policy by Nodal Ministry or any other Ministry. Nodal Ministry is refusing/regretting to issue any instructions to any of these Stake-Holders but expects that they will do their part! Just as it is statutorily provided in Parents & Senior Citizen?s Welfare Act, 2007 to provide at least one Oldmen`s House(should be called Senior Citizens Homes) in each district, legislation must be provided to provide various facilities by Municipality/Panchayat/States within a stipulated time, as laid down in your Integrated Programme. Creation of a separate Ministry, as demanded by several Organizations may also be considered at this stage for expeditious implementation of this all-aspects-covering Policy. Separate Directorates must be provided in each Ministry and State/Municipal offices for Senior Citizens.
3. Majority of Senior Citizens are sober, introvert, aloof type, God fearing and resigned to FATE! Most are not inclined to adapt new active Life Style after retirement and many feel that now they have to rest and wait for their turn to go up etc! It is therefore necessary for the Government and the Society/Media to enthuse this lot of citizens, who are large in number and going to survive for long even without their wishing! Keeping in view the economic progress of the Country and deteriorating financial position of Senior Citizens due to reduction of interest rates and surmounting dearness for food items & bare necessities, Policy has to provide concrete action plans, if necessary by legislation also, to ensure financial security; healthy life; social interaction opportunities; proper utilization tasks for Senior Citizens ; more liberal provisions in all matters for older old(80 & above); special colonies for Senior Citizens; large number of Day Care Centers, Holiday Homes/Resorts/Convalescent Homes; concessions in entertainment places, travels, hotels, resorts etc; well defined detailed role of Media, early creation of National Association of Older Persons(NAOP) at Center & State/District/Locality level and fixing tasks to be carried out by such Associations. Little force/compulsion has to be used to get results and this should not be shied away, keeping in view how Smoking in trains & Public Places and Processions on Public Roads were curbed by force/legislation giving valuable advantages to the entire Community.
4. The following suggestions may also be kept in view, while reviewing this Grand Policy:-
i) No provision/para of this Policy may be deleted/downsized in any manner, as all Paras cover very important aspects of life of Senior Citizens.
ii) Demographic Trends: As per latest trends, number of Senior Citizens not only in India but in the entire World shall exceed number of Children/Youths in next few years. In view of this, the Policy has to be more liberal and more caring for elders, which will also form a big Electoral Force. The expectation of Policy,99 about life span of 67 years in 2011-16 has been surpassed and it may cross 100 in those years. Keeping in view this huge number with longer life span, Revised Policy should cater seriously for welfare of this and also provide different avenues of their useful utilization. As there will be large number of Older Old (above 80), special & specific provision for them in the Revised Policy shall be necessary.
iii) Financial Security: As we have adopted Global Capitalistic System, there shall be more poor and less rich and this can not be helped in view of the present trend of Economic Development. As there will be more BPL Senior Citizens and as the position of Above Poverty Line but not coming within Income Tax Limit Senior Citizens shall also be precarious, the Policy has to provide specific Financial Security for both the groups. The present system of classifying Senior Citizens as BPL is defective and needs immediate change, as detailed in my letter dt 13-10-09 to P.M. (copy enclosed ?Annexure I). The present quantum of Rs 200 by Central and similar contribution by State is a mockery of human being and World Organizations must be laughing at this gesture of such a wealthy country on way to become number one and as such sufficient pension for a human may be laid down in revised Policy for BPL & APL Senior Citizens. The proposed New Tax Law from 2011-12 is another blow on Financial Security of Senior Citizens and specific provisions in new Policy exempting Senior Citizens from adverse provisions shall be necessary, considering all points raised in my letter dt 12-9-09 (copy enclosed ?Annexure II). Unless, Nodal Ministry makes out a very strong case for Financial Security to all BPL & APL Senior Citizens, depicting the miseries they will be facing in the coming years with declining income and mounting expenditure for food & bear necessities, majority of Elders of our Country can not think of decent & dignified life. Employment should be allowed to be continued till Senior Citizens desire and are fit to work and age bar must be removed. Retired employees of the Government, Public Sector and big Business Houses must be statutorily provided same facilities as serving employees to avoid financial burden on only the Government. Even as per present Policy, all Departments and Employers should be asked to provide various facilities to their retired staff, as asked by Nodal Ministry to Railway Ministry as brought out in Annexure III.
iv) Health Care & Nutrition: As the Life-Span shall increase and number of older old increases, it will be necessary to provide more and more free/subsidized health services to all Senior Citizens. In addition to free service by State/Municipal Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Trusts etc will have to be made to provide subsidized service to Senior Citizens and pay special attention to Senior Citizens, if necessary by legislation. A controlling authority like IRDA shall be absolutely necessary for private Hospitals to control prices of various facilities, operations etc. In addition to present Health Insurance Schemes for unorganized sector BPL Senior Citizens, similar provision is required to be made for similar scheme for APL Senior Citizens also. Appropriate Medi-Claim Insurance with affordable premium from private sector for all Senior Citizens desiring the same should be provided, if necessary through proper legislation. Concrete steps to provide Geriatric Care, Physiotherapy, House Call System, Free/Subsidized Mid-Day Meals, Dinners etc for nutrition, as provided to children at present etc will have to be provided. Medicines must be provided at subsidized cost. Separate ques for Senior Citizens are not yet provided in any of Hospitals of Health Ministry at Delhi, which indicates the attitude of Central Ministries towards this Policy. Separate ques for Hospitals, Dispensaries, Pathological Laboratories, Private Clinics, Banks, Post Offices and all places requiring such ques must be provided, if necessary by legislation. Doctors & Para-Medical staff must be given special training for geriatric care and proper behavior with elders.
v) Shelter: Special colonies with full facilities should be provided by legislation instead of simply making a provision in the Policy for encouraging the private builders! Certain quotas in all buildings like Chief Minister?s quota must be provided for Senior Citizens. Just as specific space is to be left for garden etc in each colony by legislation, provision should be made for encouraging/enforcing all builders to provide special colonies and facilities for Senior Citizens. More & more houses should be available for Senior Citizens on rent basis. Housing Boards must also give preference to Senior Citizens. Big colonies must have Day Care Centers.
vi) Welfare & other areas: As stated earlier, most of Senior Citizens having inertia & having resigned to fate, it is necessary that they are encouraged/forced to become members of their Government recognized Associations of their locality and then only issued all-India Identity Cards for various concessions. This will ensure their social inter action and improve their life styles. Each Association at all levels should be assigned specific tasks like having full details of all Senior Citizens of their area (Census); Civic problems of their area (LAM); Social Programmes like Polio eradication; Participating in all advisory committees of State/Railway/Municipal/Banks etc; Inculcating Value Systems in children through lectures, programmes, picnics etc with school children continuously; helping in grievance solving of Senior Citizens & other citizens of area etc. Each Association should be provided with sufficient accommodation with usual facilities of Day Care Center with Gym / Physiotherapy facilities, Grant-in-Aid, ensuring sending by all concerned all orders/circulars affecting Senior Citizens. Your Web-Site and Web-Sites of all concerned must be kept up to date and should have on-line grievance recording with status position. Your Web-Site does not contain all the facilities/concessions given to Senior Citizens by your Ministry & all other stake holders, though provided in the Policy and proclaimed by your Ministry to contain all information. There is a need for your Ministry to publish a Monthly Magazine or a Newsletter giving all information from time to time. Sufficient reservation in Transport Services is not provided, which must be done keeping in view the good effect of traveling. Railways, though the lifeline of the country, have not provided any reservation for Senior Citizens, except 2 berths along with women of 45 years and that too when traveling alone! No separate coach in suburban trains inspite of repeated representations is provided, though special suburban trains are being provided day in and day out, though not going fully packed. Senior Citizens are more handicapped and more in numbers to handicapped but are deprived of this facility given to handicaps. Representations/complaints/ court cases of Senior Citizens are not being given any priority. There is much talk about PPP and CSR and advantage of this should be given for facilities to Senior Citizens by providing some compulsory/voluntary action by corporate world. New policy must provide for Self Development of Senior Citizens. Many more Nana-Nani Parks, Recreation Centers etc should be provided with time schedule.
vii) Media: No action is taken by Nodal or Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to involve Media for creating proper atmosphere in the Society or Government Machinery to highlight the problems of Senior Citizens, as laid down in the Policy,99. New Policy must realize the importance of this powerful IVth Estate of our Democracy and give specific tasks to Media. Each Newspaper must give one page/a corner every day or atleast some days in a week exclusively for matters pertaining to Senior Citizens. Each TV channel should also give a fixed slot every day for Senior Citizens. Ministry of I & B must also give programmes for Senior Citizens at fixed days and timings instead of any time they like, as is being done at present. They had asked for literature and soft wear etc related to issues pertaining to Senior Citizens in Inter-Ministerial Committee held on 28-3-07. In absence of such material by Nodal Ministry to various Stake Holders, it is difficult to provide programmes for Senior Citizens. Senior Citizens must be encouraged and paid honorarium for writing in Newspapers and participating in TV programmes.
viii) Implementation: Nodal Ministry & other Central Ministries and States have failed miserably to comply with various Paras (91 to 95) of Policy,99 for implementation, especially para 93, which gives unambiguous orders for implementation by fixing targets. New Policy, if necessary must give statutory orders to all Stake-Holders in clear terms to do their part of job sincerely, speedily and seriously. As NCOP and SCOVA etc have miserably failed, it is requested to form NAOP (National Association of Older Persons) laid down in para 96 with full powers to negotiate with you and specific duties, as enumerated above. Earlier this is done, it would be better for the Government, Society and Senior Citizens. Similar Associations at grass route levels may also be expedited.
It is hoped that review will not be finalized without consulting the prominent representatives of Senior Citizens and their Organizations and without notifying the proposed changes in media for information/comments of all citizens.
Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely,
(M.V.Ruparelia)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Life After Retirement.
IBN 7 News Channel will be broadcasting one hour programme on `` LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT`` in their popular programme `` ZINDGI LIVE`` on Sunday, 25th October,09 at 20 hrs, in which I will be appearing along with 3 more Senior Citizens working in different fields. First (from Delhi) remains busy in his Hobby of Painting; Second (M.V.Ruparelia from Mumbai) in Welfare of Senior Citizens; Third (Abid Surti, the famous Cartoonist from Mumbai) in Social Campaign of ``Save Water``; Fourth (from Defence, Delhi) in his profession of Hotel. Please, inform as many Senior Citizens, as possible, as this may encourage/inspire some to start some useful activity. This programme will be repeated in next 4 days as per timings given below:-
Sunday, 8 pm 25-10-09.Monday\Tuesday, 12:30 Am(Mid Night-26/27-10-09 & 27/28-10-09.Wednesday, 12 noon 28-10-09.Thursday, 2 pm29-10-09.
Kindly watch this programme at your convinience and inform as many as possible.
Sunday, 8 pm 25-10-09.Monday\Tuesday, 12:30 Am(Mid Night-26/27-10-09 & 27/28-10-09.Wednesday, 12 noon 28-10-09.Thursday, 2 pm29-10-09.
Kindly watch this programme at your convinience and inform as many as possible.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Letter to President for introducing suggestions for improving Grievance Solving Machinery.
To Date: 20-10-09.
Smt. Pratibhatai Patil,
The President Of India,
Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi-110101.
Respected Madamji,
Sub: Apply Apply No Reply- - - Reforming the BABUDOM in 100 DAY PROGRAMME of the Present GOVERNMENT.
Ref: My Letter dt 7-9-09. Web Site Registration No. PRSEC/E/2009/06670.
In continuation of my letter dt 7-9-09, the following suggestions are made for immediate implementation to give some quick relief to Citizens, pending detailed analysis of the Problem of not dealing with grievances of Citizens by experts and laying down effective procedure.
All letters/Applications/Representations received from Citizens via E/Mail by any Public Authority should be automatically acknowledged by machine on receipt, as it is observed that no action is taken on matters received through E/Mail. This will not require any budgeting or complicated procedure.
Reply by E/Mail of matters received by E/Mail must be made compulsory, as most of Public Authorities do not use internet for replies, though crores of rupees are spent by Government for computers for expeditious disposal of all matters.
Each Public Authority must provide ``Query`` or ``Information Centre`` in their Web Sites for giving replies to all queries/information asked by Citizens. Each Public Authority should provide Grievance Portal also with Status position.
Independent machine number acknowledgements for each letter/representation/Application by Centralized Receipt Section for each receipt by post/speed post/personal delivery should be introduced indicating the name of Department/Section/Officer to whom that letter is sent.
Each Letter-Head of Public Authority should contain full postal address with Pin, E/Mail Address of the Department, Section and of dealing officer, Telephone & Mobile number of Dept/Section/Dealing officer for easy identification & quick communication. Most of the Central Ministries do not give address and Pin Code, leave apart phone & E/Mail address.
All Public Authority Phones should be provided with Recording Machines to enable the Citizen to get his complaint recorded when no one attends the phone. A devise to record only names, time and date of all calls on such Public Phones even when some one receives the phone may also help Citizens, as any talk/reminder on phone is generally denied by the receiver.
Kindly consider the above suggestions for immediate implementation, which do not require additional funds etc and if introduced will give some relief to Citizens facing high-handedness of BABUDOM giving stock reply that Representation/Letter/Application are not received.
Smt. Pratibhatai Patil,
The President Of India,
Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi-110101.
Respected Madamji,
Sub: Apply Apply No Reply- - - Reforming the BABUDOM in 100 DAY PROGRAMME of the Present GOVERNMENT.
Ref: My Letter dt 7-9-09. Web Site Registration No. PRSEC/E/2009/06670.
In continuation of my letter dt 7-9-09, the following suggestions are made for immediate implementation to give some quick relief to Citizens, pending detailed analysis of the Problem of not dealing with grievances of Citizens by experts and laying down effective procedure.
All letters/Applications/Representations received from Citizens via E/Mail by any Public Authority should be automatically acknowledged by machine on receipt, as it is observed that no action is taken on matters received through E/Mail. This will not require any budgeting or complicated procedure.
Reply by E/Mail of matters received by E/Mail must be made compulsory, as most of Public Authorities do not use internet for replies, though crores of rupees are spent by Government for computers for expeditious disposal of all matters.
Each Public Authority must provide ``Query`` or ``Information Centre`` in their Web Sites for giving replies to all queries/information asked by Citizens. Each Public Authority should provide Grievance Portal also with Status position.
Independent machine number acknowledgements for each letter/representation/Application by Centralized Receipt Section for each receipt by post/speed post/personal delivery should be introduced indicating the name of Department/Section/Officer to whom that letter is sent.
Each Letter-Head of Public Authority should contain full postal address with Pin, E/Mail Address of the Department, Section and of dealing officer, Telephone & Mobile number of Dept/Section/Dealing officer for easy identification & quick communication. Most of the Central Ministries do not give address and Pin Code, leave apart phone & E/Mail address.
All Public Authority Phones should be provided with Recording Machines to enable the Citizen to get his complaint recorded when no one attends the phone. A devise to record only names, time and date of all calls on such Public Phones even when some one receives the phone may also help Citizens, as any talk/reminder on phone is generally denied by the receiver.
Kindly consider the above suggestions for immediate implementation, which do not require additional funds etc and if introduced will give some relief to Citizens facing high-handedness of BABUDOM giving stock reply that Representation/Letter/Application are not received.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Vedic Way Of Life.
Vedic Way Of Life:
Vedant is the concluding portion of the Vedas – Rig Ved, Yajur Ved, Sam Ved and Atharva Ved. Vedas are the religious scriptures of Hindus, representing the cumulative philosophical wisdom of divine Saints. Vedant, also called Upnishads, deal with Life – its meaning & purpose –the View of Life as well as Way of Life. Life is nothing but continuous series of experiences. Each experience is considered as “unit of life.” The type of experience that an individual goes through determines the nature of his life. An individual gains an experience (the relationship with the subject & the object), when he (the subject) receives and responds to any stimuli (the object) from external world. Rishis (seers) selected the Experincer (the subject) as their field of research for developing the inner personality of man (the subject), so that he can enjoy true bliss within, irrespective of pleasant or unpleasant external environment and happenings.
In every experience, man contacts the world through 4 constituents-Body, Mind, Intellect and Consciousness. The physical Body is grossest aspect of human personality, which contains five Organs of Perceptions (eyes, ears, nose, tongue & skin) and five Organs of Action (hands, legs, speech, genital organ, and anus). The size and shape of body differ from person to person but the essential material composing it and the functions of organs are common to all human beings.
Mind is a flow of thoughts- a seat of feelings and emotions. Continuous flow of thoughts creates the world of plurality. Generally, man acts according to whims & fancies of his mind and such actions are generally detrimental & dangerous to his welfare and prosperity. In day to day dealings with others, he reacts and does not act judiciously, resulting in confusion within, leading to dissatisfaction & discontentment in life.
Intellect is a discriminating power over the mind. Man has to develop its Intellect – the capacity to discriminate & analyze his feelings and then to act judiciously. As the experincer is Mind & Intellect Equipment, it requires proper training. When this equipment is perfectly tuned up, man experiences harmony & rhythm. When it is out of tune and neglected, there is discord & harshness. This equipment is different in each human being. Vedantic principles help Man to keep his intellect alert and apply its faculty of discrimination to the choice of right action. For understanding the proper functioning of the composite personality of man, our Rishis, after much research, have found out the steps for improving Mind & Intellect Equipment to raise the Standard of Life of all human beings.
It is Pure Consciousness, which provides capacity to perceive to sense organs, capacity to act to action organs, capacity to feel to mind organ and capacity to think to intellect organ. Pure Consciousness is the changeless reality, which enables one to recognize the changes occurring at physical, mental & intellectual levels. Pure Consciousness is Brahman itself and common to all. The nature of it is absolute Bliss.
Absolute Happiness is the Goal of all human efforts. We have a common and firm belief that joy – happiness experienced by us lie in sense objects and we therefore strive to acquire, possess and aggrandize more & more wealth and objects of the world. However, the fact is that same objects /circumstances / situations give different degree of joy-happiness or sorrow/unhappiness to different people and at different times to same people.. Once the art of quitening the mind is learnt, man will not find it necessary to pursue the material world and its enchanting objects for gaining peace & happiness. The best way of establishing permanent happiness is to reduce the number of desires by directing your thoughts to all pervading Divine Reality.
If Man identifies correctly with his consciousness, which is the life- centre , around which all the activities of body, mind and intellect revolve, he is no longer victimized by sorrows of the changing phenomena of perceptions, emotions and thoughts. Vedant teaches man to focus his attention on Real Self-Supreme Bliss- a total dispassion for every thing that the material world can offer. Rare few pursue this path.
Vedant helps eliminating vasnas (desires) and reduce Rajas & Tamas and increase Satwa. Improvement is achieved through thought extinction. For thoughtlessness, detailed procedure of Meditation with Mala & Japa helps achieve moments of self- realization, when `awareness of thought` becomes `pure thoughtlessness awareness.` When thoughts are completely eliminated, man achieves Bliss- Pure Consciousness.
Change in thoughts can be effected by 3 Yogas. The quantity of thoughts can be reduced by Karma Yoga-the Path of Action. The quality of thoughts can be improved by Bhakti Yoga- the Path of Devotion. The direction of thoughts can be changed from the realm of perceptions and emotions to the consciousness principle by Gnana Yoga- the Path of Knowledge. World is a projection of one’s mind. Master the mind and you can master the world.
Self-control (Brahamcharya), Non-injury (Ahimsa) and Truthfulness (Satyam) are the cardinal principles of Upnishads for mastering the world and regulating the physical, mental and intellectual personalities. There are 2 paths in life- the Path of Pleasant & the Path of Good. Vedant shows the dangers of Path of Pleasant and advocates following the Path of Good. Life of Harmony is attained, when man rises above his limited egocentric view of life by recognizing the totality of the world.
Selfish actions performed with ego and egocentric desires create vasnas (desires). Vasnas are removed by study of scriptures, reflection and meditation. Selfless actions for others dedicated to higher altar exhaust existing vasnas and prevent formation of new vasnas leading to Bliss. Remembering and thanking God for whatever He has given to us, while going to bed and getting up in the morning also helps.
Vedic principles do not prescribe unintelligent, forced denial or suppression of all sensual enjoyments but enjoins the principle of sublimation- the intelligent self-control by understanding higher values of life. Upnishads clearly indicate to enjoy every thing in the world judiciously, as every thing is created by God for your enjoyment. Earn as much wealth as you can but never crave for it nor develop a sense of possessiveness and attachment.
Some other Very Important Principles are as under:-
1) Licentiousness (uncontrolled indulgence of sensual pleasures) leads to sorrow. Knowledge of higher values given by scriptures helps to check licentiousness. Renunciation of desires is the only way to happiness.
2) World is a mixture of Good & Bad. One who learns the art of contacting the world properly, as envisaged in scriptures, can derive maximum happiness even out of worst environment and situation.
3) Emotion is virtue, emotionalism is a weakness.
4) Happiness is a state of mind.
5) Standard of living & Standard of life should be balanced.
6) When philosophical values are lost, culture is lost. Thereafter, immorality, confusion and disintegration of Society/ Nation sets in.
7) Philosophy is not only a View of Life but complete Way of Life .Vedant not only clearly indicates complete View of Life but also a complete Way of Life.
8) World is constantly changing. The Self within is the changeless Reality.
It would be observed from above that Vedant deals with Life theoretical as well as practical and its teaching is Universal and for all time to come. These principles and practical solutions enumerated by our ancient Rishis before thousands of years were practiced in those days and thereafter from time to time till today. Whenever, these were forgotten, there was chaos in Society, Nation and World. No scientists, who have been working sincerely in the fields of economics, politics and natural resources and who have provided lot of facilities and material objects, leading to Gene & Stem replacement, Mobile phones, Computers, Internet, Discovery Van etc have been able to give us peace.
Vedant is the concluding portion of the Vedas – Rig Ved, Yajur Ved, Sam Ved and Atharva Ved. Vedas are the religious scriptures of Hindus, representing the cumulative philosophical wisdom of divine Saints. Vedant, also called Upnishads, deal with Life – its meaning & purpose –the View of Life as well as Way of Life. Life is nothing but continuous series of experiences. Each experience is considered as “unit of life.” The type of experience that an individual goes through determines the nature of his life. An individual gains an experience (the relationship with the subject & the object), when he (the subject) receives and responds to any stimuli (the object) from external world. Rishis (seers) selected the Experincer (the subject) as their field of research for developing the inner personality of man (the subject), so that he can enjoy true bliss within, irrespective of pleasant or unpleasant external environment and happenings.
In every experience, man contacts the world through 4 constituents-Body, Mind, Intellect and Consciousness. The physical Body is grossest aspect of human personality, which contains five Organs of Perceptions (eyes, ears, nose, tongue & skin) and five Organs of Action (hands, legs, speech, genital organ, and anus). The size and shape of body differ from person to person but the essential material composing it and the functions of organs are common to all human beings.
Mind is a flow of thoughts- a seat of feelings and emotions. Continuous flow of thoughts creates the world of plurality. Generally, man acts according to whims & fancies of his mind and such actions are generally detrimental & dangerous to his welfare and prosperity. In day to day dealings with others, he reacts and does not act judiciously, resulting in confusion within, leading to dissatisfaction & discontentment in life.
Intellect is a discriminating power over the mind. Man has to develop its Intellect – the capacity to discriminate & analyze his feelings and then to act judiciously. As the experincer is Mind & Intellect Equipment, it requires proper training. When this equipment is perfectly tuned up, man experiences harmony & rhythm. When it is out of tune and neglected, there is discord & harshness. This equipment is different in each human being. Vedantic principles help Man to keep his intellect alert and apply its faculty of discrimination to the choice of right action. For understanding the proper functioning of the composite personality of man, our Rishis, after much research, have found out the steps for improving Mind & Intellect Equipment to raise the Standard of Life of all human beings.
It is Pure Consciousness, which provides capacity to perceive to sense organs, capacity to act to action organs, capacity to feel to mind organ and capacity to think to intellect organ. Pure Consciousness is the changeless reality, which enables one to recognize the changes occurring at physical, mental & intellectual levels. Pure Consciousness is Brahman itself and common to all. The nature of it is absolute Bliss.
Absolute Happiness is the Goal of all human efforts. We have a common and firm belief that joy – happiness experienced by us lie in sense objects and we therefore strive to acquire, possess and aggrandize more & more wealth and objects of the world. However, the fact is that same objects /circumstances / situations give different degree of joy-happiness or sorrow/unhappiness to different people and at different times to same people.. Once the art of quitening the mind is learnt, man will not find it necessary to pursue the material world and its enchanting objects for gaining peace & happiness. The best way of establishing permanent happiness is to reduce the number of desires by directing your thoughts to all pervading Divine Reality.
If Man identifies correctly with his consciousness, which is the life- centre , around which all the activities of body, mind and intellect revolve, he is no longer victimized by sorrows of the changing phenomena of perceptions, emotions and thoughts. Vedant teaches man to focus his attention on Real Self-Supreme Bliss- a total dispassion for every thing that the material world can offer. Rare few pursue this path.
Vedant helps eliminating vasnas (desires) and reduce Rajas & Tamas and increase Satwa. Improvement is achieved through thought extinction. For thoughtlessness, detailed procedure of Meditation with Mala & Japa helps achieve moments of self- realization, when `awareness of thought` becomes `pure thoughtlessness awareness.` When thoughts are completely eliminated, man achieves Bliss- Pure Consciousness.
Change in thoughts can be effected by 3 Yogas. The quantity of thoughts can be reduced by Karma Yoga-the Path of Action. The quality of thoughts can be improved by Bhakti Yoga- the Path of Devotion. The direction of thoughts can be changed from the realm of perceptions and emotions to the consciousness principle by Gnana Yoga- the Path of Knowledge. World is a projection of one’s mind. Master the mind and you can master the world.
Self-control (Brahamcharya), Non-injury (Ahimsa) and Truthfulness (Satyam) are the cardinal principles of Upnishads for mastering the world and regulating the physical, mental and intellectual personalities. There are 2 paths in life- the Path of Pleasant & the Path of Good. Vedant shows the dangers of Path of Pleasant and advocates following the Path of Good. Life of Harmony is attained, when man rises above his limited egocentric view of life by recognizing the totality of the world.
Selfish actions performed with ego and egocentric desires create vasnas (desires). Vasnas are removed by study of scriptures, reflection and meditation. Selfless actions for others dedicated to higher altar exhaust existing vasnas and prevent formation of new vasnas leading to Bliss. Remembering and thanking God for whatever He has given to us, while going to bed and getting up in the morning also helps.
Vedic principles do not prescribe unintelligent, forced denial or suppression of all sensual enjoyments but enjoins the principle of sublimation- the intelligent self-control by understanding higher values of life. Upnishads clearly indicate to enjoy every thing in the world judiciously, as every thing is created by God for your enjoyment. Earn as much wealth as you can but never crave for it nor develop a sense of possessiveness and attachment.
Some other Very Important Principles are as under:-
1) Licentiousness (uncontrolled indulgence of sensual pleasures) leads to sorrow. Knowledge of higher values given by scriptures helps to check licentiousness. Renunciation of desires is the only way to happiness.
2) World is a mixture of Good & Bad. One who learns the art of contacting the world properly, as envisaged in scriptures, can derive maximum happiness even out of worst environment and situation.
3) Emotion is virtue, emotionalism is a weakness.
4) Happiness is a state of mind.
5) Standard of living & Standard of life should be balanced.
6) When philosophical values are lost, culture is lost. Thereafter, immorality, confusion and disintegration of Society/ Nation sets in.
7) Philosophy is not only a View of Life but complete Way of Life .Vedant not only clearly indicates complete View of Life but also a complete Way of Life.
8) World is constantly changing. The Self within is the changeless Reality.
It would be observed from above that Vedant deals with Life theoretical as well as practical and its teaching is Universal and for all time to come. These principles and practical solutions enumerated by our ancient Rishis before thousands of years were practiced in those days and thereafter from time to time till today. Whenever, these were forgotten, there was chaos in Society, Nation and World. No scientists, who have been working sincerely in the fields of economics, politics and natural resources and who have provided lot of facilities and material objects, leading to Gene & Stem replacement, Mobile phones, Computers, Internet, Discovery Van etc have been able to give us peace.
Senior Citizens & their Associations.
Senior Citizens And Their Associations:
What is Senior Citizen? When we talk or think of a Citizen, we visualize a civilized, responsible person with rights & duties! Senior Citizen being senior is more respectable, more civilized, more responsible person with more rights & more duties! The status of Senior Citizen is very high in the entire World! This status is given to elderly citizens by United Nations Organization, accepted by all Nations!
First and foremost duty of educated Senior Citizens and Associations is to make all Senior Citizens of their entire area of operation realize and cherish this superior status given by United Nations Organization and to bring them out of inertia of remaining aloof and idle and encourage them to mix freely with all in the society. Associations must have full data of all Senior Citizens in their area, their needs-financial, social and individual. All must be encouraged to become members of Associations and participate in the activities of Associations and other social organizations of the area. There is sufficient number of individuals and organizational donors to help the needy, sufficient number of doctors for free check-up and free medicines, enough social workers and Senior Citizens to give company for talking-walking to the needy Senior Citizens. It is for the Associations to match the needy with givers! Associations must ensure that all Senior Citizens of their area remain Healthy, Busy, and Happy.
Senior Citizens must realize that they are not the spent force, as believed by society. They are the Think Tank of the society/country. Age is not a bar to living actively and pursuing your professional, academical or social pursuits. It may be true that in service, there may be a retirement at a particular age but this does not debar a Senior Citizen to pursue his field of choice. Our President, Prime Minister, many of the Scientists, Writers, Thinkers, Traders, Actors, Noble Prize Winners etc are Senior Citizens and working for more than 12 to 18 hours a day and shining in their fields! No Senior Citizen should feel that he is to survive for a few years and has to go soon from this World and hence remain inactive or live lying down! Scientific and Medical Faculties are progressing so well and so fast that change of gene & cells shall shortly increase the life span beyond imagination! Each Senior Citizen has to realize this and plan out his life and activities for a long span! Dr. Deepak Chopra`s theory in ``Ageless Body & Timeless Mind``must be kept in view and the whole outlook towards life should be changed! It is your Mind Set and not the Age, which makes you restrict yourself! Please, remember always that if you don’t mind your age, it won’t keep you back in any field of your choice!
Have a pride in belonging to the Senior Citizen Community. Use all privileges and facilities given to Senior Citizens, even when you are capable to do away with the same, keeping in view other Senior Citizens, as, once, some do not use them, authorities/ public shall expect all to follow them.
Detachment as per our Vedic Culture is good but keeping in view the anticipated long life span, it is necessary to remain actively interested in day to day activities, needs and especially in SELF-DEVELOPMENT. We must remain open minded to learn new things and adapt all new investigations & facilities like Computers, Mobiles etc. Our Aims should be : Keep Growing, Participate in all activities to the extant possible, Remain busy in some constructive social work of our choice, Come out of age old pride, prejudices and inertia, if any, Go out for Picnics, Entertainments etc. Remember that all cells of our body are renewed periodically and there is no decline in energy due to age only. Remember that we are the makers of our own destiny and can do, whatever we want, if we remain Healthy, Happy & Busy.
Many Senior Citizens are afraid of thoughts! Remember that thoughts have no value till we accept them and act on them. Enjoy long life span. Love everyone and laugh as much as you can. Even artificial laughter in laughter clubs has been proved to be beneficial for good health and as such join such clubs and laugh as much as you can and whenever and wherever you can! Successful and happy ageing depends on you and your feelings of happiness and satisfaction with your life and your activities.
All Associations need recognition by Government and our powerful Media so that whatever they represent for Senior Citizens get remedied promptly and problems of Senior Citizens get highlighted in Media, necessitating early action by the concerned parties. Government must expedite implementation of National Policy sincerely. Media must help highlighting all needs of Senior Citizens to all concerned. No Associations, Federations, Confederations, Foundations can get Senior Citizens their rights, benefits and respected place in the Society, as expediously as Our Fourth Estate- the Powerful Media- the Newspapers, the Magazines, the T.V.Channels. As a torch bearer for the entire society, it is necessary for Media to help Senior Citizens in all respects.
Passing time usefully & peacefully is a major need of Senior Citizens. Most of their Associations do not have accommodation to meet regularly. They hardly meet 2-3 times in a year. Royal College, Mira Road has shown the way by giving spacious accommodation for daily meeting for 3 hours from 16 to 19 hrs and free use of their Library, Indoor Games and school bus for picnics. 30-40 Senior Citizens gather every day and exchange views on useful topics and do social service to all citizens of their areas. Let Good Institutes open their doors and give as many facilities as possible for passing time usefully in their crucial phase of life. They will be useful to the Institute & the Society with their varied experience in various fields.
All Associations, Federations, Confederations should ensure the following:
1) Get registered under the relevant act, obtain registration for giving 80 G certificates for donations, and get affiliated to all India/World Organizations.
2) No politics, no religion, no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, sex etc but don’t avoid spirituality and philosophies.
3) Meet as often as possible. Have Picnics, Activity Centers, Games, Library, Celebrations of festivals, birthdays etc.
4) Collect data of all Senior Citizens of your area, make them realize their higher social status; help them to come out of inertia, helplessness, wherever & whenever necessary. Get data of donors-individuals as well as corporate level-; other social organizations of the area for coordination, doctors, chemists, hospitals, educational institutes, shopping malls etc for getting help for needy Senior Citizens.
5) Collect data useful to Senior Citizens like Elder Homes, Elder Colonies, Holiday Homes & Convalescent Homes for Senior Citizens, Facilities & Concessions, Details of other Organizations, Associations doing social service & welfare of Senior Citizens, Picnic Places around, Gardens, Libraries, Institutes, Clubs etc. Federations/Confederations should have more detailed information on such matters & should have an up to date Web Sites.
6) Arrange for second careers for needy Senior Citizens, Investment Plans & advice, Medical camps & periodical check-up & lectures by prominent doctors, Lectures on general topics & Entertainment programmes; Debates & discussions among members and various other activities and games.
7) Resolutions should be passed from time to time after discussions for encouraging local Media to give space for expression, on social current topics for sending to concerned authorities, appreciating good work done by Municipal Corporations, Government Departments etc.
8) Matters of concern to Senior Citizens as well as other Citizens should be represented by letters, personal approach and even by demonstrations/dharna etc, as necessary.
9) If possible, publish small magazine/souvenir etc to encourage members to express. Have essay competition on important topics pertaining to Senior Citizens. Encourage Senior Citizens to write their experiences in life.
10) Let capable members guide & advise Senior Citizens & other Citizens in the line of their expertise. Let members help Civic & Govt authorities for various social projects like polio drops, HIV awareness, census, elections, family planning, adult & child literacy drives, prohibition drives, tree plantations; respect towards women and weaker sections, floods, earthquakes, encroachments of foot paths by hawkers etc. Encourage members to participate in Peace Committees, Advisory Committees etc and to visit Hospitals, Elder Houses etc for helping, giving company, reading to those interested, giving fruits, medicines etc.
What is Senior Citizen? When we talk or think of a Citizen, we visualize a civilized, responsible person with rights & duties! Senior Citizen being senior is more respectable, more civilized, more responsible person with more rights & more duties! The status of Senior Citizen is very high in the entire World! This status is given to elderly citizens by United Nations Organization, accepted by all Nations!
First and foremost duty of educated Senior Citizens and Associations is to make all Senior Citizens of their entire area of operation realize and cherish this superior status given by United Nations Organization and to bring them out of inertia of remaining aloof and idle and encourage them to mix freely with all in the society. Associations must have full data of all Senior Citizens in their area, their needs-financial, social and individual. All must be encouraged to become members of Associations and participate in the activities of Associations and other social organizations of the area. There is sufficient number of individuals and organizational donors to help the needy, sufficient number of doctors for free check-up and free medicines, enough social workers and Senior Citizens to give company for talking-walking to the needy Senior Citizens. It is for the Associations to match the needy with givers! Associations must ensure that all Senior Citizens of their area remain Healthy, Busy, and Happy.
Senior Citizens must realize that they are not the spent force, as believed by society. They are the Think Tank of the society/country. Age is not a bar to living actively and pursuing your professional, academical or social pursuits. It may be true that in service, there may be a retirement at a particular age but this does not debar a Senior Citizen to pursue his field of choice. Our President, Prime Minister, many of the Scientists, Writers, Thinkers, Traders, Actors, Noble Prize Winners etc are Senior Citizens and working for more than 12 to 18 hours a day and shining in their fields! No Senior Citizen should feel that he is to survive for a few years and has to go soon from this World and hence remain inactive or live lying down! Scientific and Medical Faculties are progressing so well and so fast that change of gene & cells shall shortly increase the life span beyond imagination! Each Senior Citizen has to realize this and plan out his life and activities for a long span! Dr. Deepak Chopra`s theory in ``Ageless Body & Timeless Mind``must be kept in view and the whole outlook towards life should be changed! It is your Mind Set and not the Age, which makes you restrict yourself! Please, remember always that if you don’t mind your age, it won’t keep you back in any field of your choice!
Have a pride in belonging to the Senior Citizen Community. Use all privileges and facilities given to Senior Citizens, even when you are capable to do away with the same, keeping in view other Senior Citizens, as, once, some do not use them, authorities/ public shall expect all to follow them.
Detachment as per our Vedic Culture is good but keeping in view the anticipated long life span, it is necessary to remain actively interested in day to day activities, needs and especially in SELF-DEVELOPMENT. We must remain open minded to learn new things and adapt all new investigations & facilities like Computers, Mobiles etc. Our Aims should be : Keep Growing, Participate in all activities to the extant possible, Remain busy in some constructive social work of our choice, Come out of age old pride, prejudices and inertia, if any, Go out for Picnics, Entertainments etc. Remember that all cells of our body are renewed periodically and there is no decline in energy due to age only. Remember that we are the makers of our own destiny and can do, whatever we want, if we remain Healthy, Happy & Busy.
Many Senior Citizens are afraid of thoughts! Remember that thoughts have no value till we accept them and act on them. Enjoy long life span. Love everyone and laugh as much as you can. Even artificial laughter in laughter clubs has been proved to be beneficial for good health and as such join such clubs and laugh as much as you can and whenever and wherever you can! Successful and happy ageing depends on you and your feelings of happiness and satisfaction with your life and your activities.
All Associations need recognition by Government and our powerful Media so that whatever they represent for Senior Citizens get remedied promptly and problems of Senior Citizens get highlighted in Media, necessitating early action by the concerned parties. Government must expedite implementation of National Policy sincerely. Media must help highlighting all needs of Senior Citizens to all concerned. No Associations, Federations, Confederations, Foundations can get Senior Citizens their rights, benefits and respected place in the Society, as expediously as Our Fourth Estate- the Powerful Media- the Newspapers, the Magazines, the T.V.Channels. As a torch bearer for the entire society, it is necessary for Media to help Senior Citizens in all respects.
Passing time usefully & peacefully is a major need of Senior Citizens. Most of their Associations do not have accommodation to meet regularly. They hardly meet 2-3 times in a year. Royal College, Mira Road has shown the way by giving spacious accommodation for daily meeting for 3 hours from 16 to 19 hrs and free use of their Library, Indoor Games and school bus for picnics. 30-40 Senior Citizens gather every day and exchange views on useful topics and do social service to all citizens of their areas. Let Good Institutes open their doors and give as many facilities as possible for passing time usefully in their crucial phase of life. They will be useful to the Institute & the Society with their varied experience in various fields.
All Associations, Federations, Confederations should ensure the following:
1) Get registered under the relevant act, obtain registration for giving 80 G certificates for donations, and get affiliated to all India/World Organizations.
2) No politics, no religion, no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, sex etc but don’t avoid spirituality and philosophies.
3) Meet as often as possible. Have Picnics, Activity Centers, Games, Library, Celebrations of festivals, birthdays etc.
4) Collect data of all Senior Citizens of your area, make them realize their higher social status; help them to come out of inertia, helplessness, wherever & whenever necessary. Get data of donors-individuals as well as corporate level-; other social organizations of the area for coordination, doctors, chemists, hospitals, educational institutes, shopping malls etc for getting help for needy Senior Citizens.
5) Collect data useful to Senior Citizens like Elder Homes, Elder Colonies, Holiday Homes & Convalescent Homes for Senior Citizens, Facilities & Concessions, Details of other Organizations, Associations doing social service & welfare of Senior Citizens, Picnic Places around, Gardens, Libraries, Institutes, Clubs etc. Federations/Confederations should have more detailed information on such matters & should have an up to date Web Sites.
6) Arrange for second careers for needy Senior Citizens, Investment Plans & advice, Medical camps & periodical check-up & lectures by prominent doctors, Lectures on general topics & Entertainment programmes; Debates & discussions among members and various other activities and games.
7) Resolutions should be passed from time to time after discussions for encouraging local Media to give space for expression, on social current topics for sending to concerned authorities, appreciating good work done by Municipal Corporations, Government Departments etc.
8) Matters of concern to Senior Citizens as well as other Citizens should be represented by letters, personal approach and even by demonstrations/dharna etc, as necessary.
9) If possible, publish small magazine/souvenir etc to encourage members to express. Have essay competition on important topics pertaining to Senior Citizens. Encourage Senior Citizens to write their experiences in life.
10) Let capable members guide & advise Senior Citizens & other Citizens in the line of their expertise. Let members help Civic & Govt authorities for various social projects like polio drops, HIV awareness, census, elections, family planning, adult & child literacy drives, prohibition drives, tree plantations; respect towards women and weaker sections, floods, earthquakes, encroachments of foot paths by hawkers etc. Encourage members to participate in Peace Committees, Advisory Committees etc and to visit Hospitals, Elder Houses etc for helping, giving company, reading to those interested, giving fruits, medicines etc.
Registration of Associations under Society & Public Trust Acts.
Registration Of Associations. M.V.Ruparelia.
Although it is not statutorily compulsory for Associations to get registered, as per extant law (Section 41c of The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950), prior permission of Charity Commissioner is required to be obtained for collecting any money, subscription, donation etc for charitable or religious purposes. Provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation provided in the interest of social welfare and public benefit and advancement of any object of general public utility is considered as Charitable Purpose under that Act. This Act stipulates that every Trust may apply for registration within 3 months of its formation. In view of such a position, it may be better for Associations to get registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 for proper Administration of Associations. Similar Acts & Rules exist for each State and there is not much change in requirements.
The Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The main aim of this Act is to improve the legal position of registered Societies/Associations. The procedure for registration is very simple and fees is only Rs.50. Any 7 or more persons may by subscribing their names to a Memorandum of Associations and filing the same along with Memorandum of Associations with the Registrar with fee of Rs.50 can form the Association. The Memorandum of Association shall contain the name and objects of Association. Copy of Rules & Regulations of the Association, certified by not less than 3 office bearers is also to be filed with names, addresses & occupations of all members of governing body/working committee. There is no prescribed form for registration. There is a Registration Office in every area & sub area notified. With effect from 1-7-1956, Registrar & Asst Registrars for State Of Maharashtra are Charity Commissioner, DY/Asst Charity Commissioners and all Societies/Associations are liable to be registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 also.
No Association shall be registered by a name, which in the opinion of Charity Commissioner is undesirable, being a name identical with existing Association. After necessary inquiries, Certificate of Registration shall be issued. After registration also, Association can alter its name, purpose, scope etc by following a laid down procedure with approval of Charity Commissioner. All Associations will continue to work according to their Rules & Regulations and there shall not be any interference in normal working after registration.
Every Association shall keep proper accounts of all receipts & payments, movable & immovable properties, all encumbrances, loans, advances etc in such details that Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account can be prepared in prescribed Schedules III & IV of The Societies Registration (Maharashtra) Rules, 1971. The Accounts should be balanced every year as on 31st March or any other date laid down in Rules & Regulations of Association, as approved by Charity Commissioner. The Accounts are required to be audited by Auditor- by CA, if annual gross income is more than Rs. 5000 and by any other person authorized by State Government for such Audit, if income is Rs.5000 or less. Accounts should be got audited within 6 months of closing. It will be the duty of Auditor to prepare Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account in the prescribed Schedule III & IV
with a Report on irregularities etc and send directly to Charity Commissioner within a fortnight of completion of audit. On receipt of audited accounts, these should be sent by Association also to Charity Commissioner and also put up before General Body for acceptance, as required under their Rules & Regulations. Associations, which are also registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 may follow the instructions under that Act for Accounts and need not send Schedule III & IV mentioned above.
Every year, a list of names, addresses & occupations of all members of Working Committee for the current year should be sent to Charity Commissioner in the prescribed Schedule I of Rules, 1971 within 14 days of holding General Body Meeting. If G.B. Meeting is not laid down in Rules & Regulations of the Association, such statement must be sent in January every year.
Every Association is required to maintain a List of all members indicating name, address, date of admission, signature of the member in prescribed Schedule VI.
List of employees of the Association, if any, is required to be sent in prescribed Schedule II as on 31st December every year.
Any person can inspect or get a certified copy of any document filed with Registrar by payment of prescribed fee.
For various matters, Schedules are laid down with definite instructions and target dates. Auditor & Charity Commissioner & his staff are required to be supplied with all information/record etc. All office bearers & all members are required to be honest in dealing with affairs of their Associations and are liable to be sued for any offence committed for breach of any Rules & Regulations of the Association.
The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950.
The aim of this Act is to regulate and make better provision for the administration of Trusts/Associations in the State. For registration, a form is prescribed in Schedule II, IIA & IIB of The Bombay Public Trusts Rules,1951. This form is available in office of Charity Commissioner at a nominal price and contains instructions for filling also. All forms prescribed in Rules, 1971 are available in office of Charity Commissioner and with some reputed stationers also. Court Fee stamp of Rs.2 is to be affixed on this Application. Fees for registration is Rs.100.All Trusts/Associations are required to apply for registration within 3 months of formation. After inquires, as necessary, Charity Commissioner will issue Certificate Of Registration before expiry of 6 months from the end of the month in which Application is received. Registration of Association under this Act does not make the Association a Trust, though all provisions of the Act apply to the Association. For creating a Trust, you need an owner of a property (called Author), who nominates Trustees and declares confidence in them for utilization of the said property for the benefit of beneficiaries.
Associations are at liberty to function as per their Rules & Regulations but all members have to be vigilant & honest in their dealings of Associations. They can change their Rules & Regulations, Office Bearers etc, as necessary by following the laid down procedure. All changes in any information including movable & immovable property already supplied to Charity Commissioner are required to be notified to Charity Commissioner within 90 days of occurrence of the change in the prescribed Schedule III of the Rules, 1951 with fee of Rs.100.
All Associations have to keep proper Accounts of all receipts & payments, movable & immovable properties, all encumbrances, loans, advances etc in proper details and in such form, as may be approved by Charity Commissioner. Accounts should be balanced as on 31st March or other date, as approved by Charity Commissioner. All accounts are required to be got audited within 6 months of closing by Chartered Accountant or the person authorized by State Government for such audit. The Auditor, after checking thoroughly, shall prepare Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account in prescribed Schedules VIII & IX of the Rules, 1951. All Associations having annual income or collection or receipt of more than Rs.25000 have to pay a contribution at notified rate on worked out income of Association for which it is liable to pay contribution to the Public Trust Administration Fund. This will be as per details worked out by Auditor in prescribed Schedule IX C of Rules, 1951. Auditor shall send these 3 Schedules and his report to Charity Commissioner within a fortnight of completion of audit and give copies to Association also. Association will also send these to Charity Commissioner with payment of contribution and also get it passed by General Body Meeting.
Here, one thing is to be noted carefully. If there is a provision in Rules & Regulations of the Association to treat the membership fees, whether Life or Annual, as Corpus then only such receipts shall not be treated as income. Similarly, unless the donations received do not have written directives from donors to treat them as Corpus, all donations shall be treated as income. Money received by Associations and not required to be spent shortly should be deposited in Scheduled Bank, Postal S.B. or a Cooperative Bank approved by State Government and/or in approved Securities. Immovable property of the Association can not be sold, exchanged or gifted without prior permission of Charity Commissioner. Borrowing money also requires prior permission. For erring office bearers, Charity Commissioner has powers to remove, dismiss and suspend them and to appoint adhoc committee for administration of Association. Fines are laid down in Section 66 of the Act for various omissions, late submission/willfully giving wrong information etc.
All Associations having annual income exceeding Rs 10000 shall prepare and send to Charity Commissioner a Budget in prescribed Schedule VIIA of Rule,1951 one month before the commencement of each Accounting Year showing probable receipts and disbursement during the following year and making adequate provision for carrying out the objects of the Association.
A Register of all movable & immovable properties is required to be maintained in prescribed Schedule XAA of Rules, 1951.
Details of all Associations/Trusts are available with Charity Commissioner in the Register of Public Trusts in prescribed Schedule I of Rules, 1951. Any person can peruse and/or have details of any Association/Trust on payment of nominal fee.
Registration of Associations for 80 G.
According to recent Press Notification, all Institutes/Trusts/Associations requiring exemptions for their incomes received for charitable/religious purposes must get themselves registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 before 31st May, 2007 to get such exemptions for previous periods, failing which they will get exemptions only from the assessment year following the financial year in which they apply.
Associations/ Institutes/Trusts are required to pay Income Tax as Association of Persons, exemption limit for the current financial year 2007-08 being Rs. 110000. Associations registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act,1950 and Section 12 A of Income Tax Act are entitled for exemption under Section 11 & 12 of Income Tax Act for income received for charitable/religious purposes to the extant, they utilize their income on objects specified in Trust Deed/Memorandum of Association. However, any part of such total income, if not spent during the year but accumulated for next year/s (not more than 5 years from 1-4-01) for future application to charitable purposes by obtaining permission of Assessing Officer in Form No 10 is also exempted. Those having income, before such exemptions, exceeding Rs 110000 are required to get accounts audited by C.A., obtain PAN Card and file Income Tax Return regularly with Audit Report in Form 10 B.
Objects of the Associations of Senior Citizens registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 are treated as charitable. As per Section 12(1) of Income Tax Act, 1961, voluntary (Life and Annual) contributions/subscriptions and donations received are treated as income for charitable purpose. Subscriptions credited to Corpus as per bye-laws of the Associations of Senior Citizens and donations received with specific directions from donors for being credited to Corpus are not treated as Income but form part of Corpus, which is not taxable. For being eligible for getting exemptions, Associations of Senior Citizens have to get registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Act by filling in Form No.10 A. The procedure is simple. This form is available with Income Tax Department and Chartered Accountants. It should be accompanied with Original or certified copy of Trust Deed/ Memorandum of Association, copies of Accounts of previous years (not more than 3 years), if existing since earlier years. Those having taxable income shall send Auditor’s Report as well as copy of PAN Card.
Associations of Senior Citizens do not have any sources of income except annual or Life Membership fees and voluntary contributions/donations from members and others. Donors generally expect Certificate under Section 80 G of the Act to get some relief in payment of their Income Tax for their donations. The procedure to get an authority from Income Tax Department for issuing such certificates to Donors is very simple and can be applied immediately on formation of Association. There is general impression that Association should wait for 3 years etc but this is not true. Registration is to be made under Sec 80 G (5) (vi) of the Act. Application is to be made in Form 10 G available with the Department/ Chartered Accountants. This form is to be sent in triplicate to Commissioner of Income Tax having jurisdiction over the Association with the following documents:
Copy of registration received under Section 12 A.
Notes on activities of Association since its inception or during last 3 years, whichever is less.
Copies of Accounts since inception or 3 years, whichever is less.
Registration shall generally be issued within 6 months of applying, excluding periods, if any of delay in-compliance of queries.
(Note: This is for guidance in brief and relevant Acts & Rules should be referred for detailed position).
(E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in ).
Although it is not statutorily compulsory for Associations to get registered, as per extant law (Section 41c of The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950), prior permission of Charity Commissioner is required to be obtained for collecting any money, subscription, donation etc for charitable or religious purposes. Provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation provided in the interest of social welfare and public benefit and advancement of any object of general public utility is considered as Charitable Purpose under that Act. This Act stipulates that every Trust may apply for registration within 3 months of its formation. In view of such a position, it may be better for Associations to get registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 for proper Administration of Associations. Similar Acts & Rules exist for each State and there is not much change in requirements.
The Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The main aim of this Act is to improve the legal position of registered Societies/Associations. The procedure for registration is very simple and fees is only Rs.50. Any 7 or more persons may by subscribing their names to a Memorandum of Associations and filing the same along with Memorandum of Associations with the Registrar with fee of Rs.50 can form the Association. The Memorandum of Association shall contain the name and objects of Association. Copy of Rules & Regulations of the Association, certified by not less than 3 office bearers is also to be filed with names, addresses & occupations of all members of governing body/working committee. There is no prescribed form for registration. There is a Registration Office in every area & sub area notified. With effect from 1-7-1956, Registrar & Asst Registrars for State Of Maharashtra are Charity Commissioner, DY/Asst Charity Commissioners and all Societies/Associations are liable to be registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 also.
No Association shall be registered by a name, which in the opinion of Charity Commissioner is undesirable, being a name identical with existing Association. After necessary inquiries, Certificate of Registration shall be issued. After registration also, Association can alter its name, purpose, scope etc by following a laid down procedure with approval of Charity Commissioner. All Associations will continue to work according to their Rules & Regulations and there shall not be any interference in normal working after registration.
Every Association shall keep proper accounts of all receipts & payments, movable & immovable properties, all encumbrances, loans, advances etc in such details that Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account can be prepared in prescribed Schedules III & IV of The Societies Registration (Maharashtra) Rules, 1971. The Accounts should be balanced every year as on 31st March or any other date laid down in Rules & Regulations of Association, as approved by Charity Commissioner. The Accounts are required to be audited by Auditor- by CA, if annual gross income is more than Rs. 5000 and by any other person authorized by State Government for such Audit, if income is Rs.5000 or less. Accounts should be got audited within 6 months of closing. It will be the duty of Auditor to prepare Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account in the prescribed Schedule III & IV
with a Report on irregularities etc and send directly to Charity Commissioner within a fortnight of completion of audit. On receipt of audited accounts, these should be sent by Association also to Charity Commissioner and also put up before General Body for acceptance, as required under their Rules & Regulations. Associations, which are also registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 may follow the instructions under that Act for Accounts and need not send Schedule III & IV mentioned above.
Every year, a list of names, addresses & occupations of all members of Working Committee for the current year should be sent to Charity Commissioner in the prescribed Schedule I of Rules, 1971 within 14 days of holding General Body Meeting. If G.B. Meeting is not laid down in Rules & Regulations of the Association, such statement must be sent in January every year.
Every Association is required to maintain a List of all members indicating name, address, date of admission, signature of the member in prescribed Schedule VI.
List of employees of the Association, if any, is required to be sent in prescribed Schedule II as on 31st December every year.
Any person can inspect or get a certified copy of any document filed with Registrar by payment of prescribed fee.
For various matters, Schedules are laid down with definite instructions and target dates. Auditor & Charity Commissioner & his staff are required to be supplied with all information/record etc. All office bearers & all members are required to be honest in dealing with affairs of their Associations and are liable to be sued for any offence committed for breach of any Rules & Regulations of the Association.
The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950.
The aim of this Act is to regulate and make better provision for the administration of Trusts/Associations in the State. For registration, a form is prescribed in Schedule II, IIA & IIB of The Bombay Public Trusts Rules,1951. This form is available in office of Charity Commissioner at a nominal price and contains instructions for filling also. All forms prescribed in Rules, 1971 are available in office of Charity Commissioner and with some reputed stationers also. Court Fee stamp of Rs.2 is to be affixed on this Application. Fees for registration is Rs.100.All Trusts/Associations are required to apply for registration within 3 months of formation. After inquires, as necessary, Charity Commissioner will issue Certificate Of Registration before expiry of 6 months from the end of the month in which Application is received. Registration of Association under this Act does not make the Association a Trust, though all provisions of the Act apply to the Association. For creating a Trust, you need an owner of a property (called Author), who nominates Trustees and declares confidence in them for utilization of the said property for the benefit of beneficiaries.
Associations are at liberty to function as per their Rules & Regulations but all members have to be vigilant & honest in their dealings of Associations. They can change their Rules & Regulations, Office Bearers etc, as necessary by following the laid down procedure. All changes in any information including movable & immovable property already supplied to Charity Commissioner are required to be notified to Charity Commissioner within 90 days of occurrence of the change in the prescribed Schedule III of the Rules, 1951 with fee of Rs.100.
All Associations have to keep proper Accounts of all receipts & payments, movable & immovable properties, all encumbrances, loans, advances etc in proper details and in such form, as may be approved by Charity Commissioner. Accounts should be balanced as on 31st March or other date, as approved by Charity Commissioner. All accounts are required to be got audited within 6 months of closing by Chartered Accountant or the person authorized by State Government for such audit. The Auditor, after checking thoroughly, shall prepare Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account in prescribed Schedules VIII & IX of the Rules, 1951. All Associations having annual income or collection or receipt of more than Rs.25000 have to pay a contribution at notified rate on worked out income of Association for which it is liable to pay contribution to the Public Trust Administration Fund. This will be as per details worked out by Auditor in prescribed Schedule IX C of Rules, 1951. Auditor shall send these 3 Schedules and his report to Charity Commissioner within a fortnight of completion of audit and give copies to Association also. Association will also send these to Charity Commissioner with payment of contribution and also get it passed by General Body Meeting.
Here, one thing is to be noted carefully. If there is a provision in Rules & Regulations of the Association to treat the membership fees, whether Life or Annual, as Corpus then only such receipts shall not be treated as income. Similarly, unless the donations received do not have written directives from donors to treat them as Corpus, all donations shall be treated as income. Money received by Associations and not required to be spent shortly should be deposited in Scheduled Bank, Postal S.B. or a Cooperative Bank approved by State Government and/or in approved Securities. Immovable property of the Association can not be sold, exchanged or gifted without prior permission of Charity Commissioner. Borrowing money also requires prior permission. For erring office bearers, Charity Commissioner has powers to remove, dismiss and suspend them and to appoint adhoc committee for administration of Association. Fines are laid down in Section 66 of the Act for various omissions, late submission/willfully giving wrong information etc.
All Associations having annual income exceeding Rs 10000 shall prepare and send to Charity Commissioner a Budget in prescribed Schedule VIIA of Rule,1951 one month before the commencement of each Accounting Year showing probable receipts and disbursement during the following year and making adequate provision for carrying out the objects of the Association.
A Register of all movable & immovable properties is required to be maintained in prescribed Schedule XAA of Rules, 1951.
Details of all Associations/Trusts are available with Charity Commissioner in the Register of Public Trusts in prescribed Schedule I of Rules, 1951. Any person can peruse and/or have details of any Association/Trust on payment of nominal fee.
Registration of Associations for 80 G.
According to recent Press Notification, all Institutes/Trusts/Associations requiring exemptions for their incomes received for charitable/religious purposes must get themselves registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 before 31st May, 2007 to get such exemptions for previous periods, failing which they will get exemptions only from the assessment year following the financial year in which they apply.
Associations/ Institutes/Trusts are required to pay Income Tax as Association of Persons, exemption limit for the current financial year 2007-08 being Rs. 110000. Associations registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act,1950 and Section 12 A of Income Tax Act are entitled for exemption under Section 11 & 12 of Income Tax Act for income received for charitable/religious purposes to the extant, they utilize their income on objects specified in Trust Deed/Memorandum of Association. However, any part of such total income, if not spent during the year but accumulated for next year/s (not more than 5 years from 1-4-01) for future application to charitable purposes by obtaining permission of Assessing Officer in Form No 10 is also exempted. Those having income, before such exemptions, exceeding Rs 110000 are required to get accounts audited by C.A., obtain PAN Card and file Income Tax Return regularly with Audit Report in Form 10 B.
Objects of the Associations of Senior Citizens registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 are treated as charitable. As per Section 12(1) of Income Tax Act, 1961, voluntary (Life and Annual) contributions/subscriptions and donations received are treated as income for charitable purpose. Subscriptions credited to Corpus as per bye-laws of the Associations of Senior Citizens and donations received with specific directions from donors for being credited to Corpus are not treated as Income but form part of Corpus, which is not taxable. For being eligible for getting exemptions, Associations of Senior Citizens have to get registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Act by filling in Form No.10 A. The procedure is simple. This form is available with Income Tax Department and Chartered Accountants. It should be accompanied with Original or certified copy of Trust Deed/ Memorandum of Association, copies of Accounts of previous years (not more than 3 years), if existing since earlier years. Those having taxable income shall send Auditor’s Report as well as copy of PAN Card.
Associations of Senior Citizens do not have any sources of income except annual or Life Membership fees and voluntary contributions/donations from members and others. Donors generally expect Certificate under Section 80 G of the Act to get some relief in payment of their Income Tax for their donations. The procedure to get an authority from Income Tax Department for issuing such certificates to Donors is very simple and can be applied immediately on formation of Association. There is general impression that Association should wait for 3 years etc but this is not true. Registration is to be made under Sec 80 G (5) (vi) of the Act. Application is to be made in Form 10 G available with the Department/ Chartered Accountants. This form is to be sent in triplicate to Commissioner of Income Tax having jurisdiction over the Association with the following documents:
Copy of registration received under Section 12 A.
Notes on activities of Association since its inception or during last 3 years, whichever is less.
Copies of Accounts since inception or 3 years, whichever is less.
Registration shall generally be issued within 6 months of applying, excluding periods, if any of delay in-compliance of queries.
(Note: This is for guidance in brief and relevant Acts & Rules should be referred for detailed position).
(E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in ).
Registration Of Associations for 80 G Certificate.
Registration of Associations for 80 G. M.V.Ruparelia.
According to recent Press Notification, all Institutes/Trusts/Associations requiring exemptions for their incomes received for charitable/religious purposes must get themselves registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 before 31st May, 2007 to get such exemptions for previous periods, failing which they will get exemptions only from the assessment year following the financial year in which they apply.
Associations/ Institutes/Trusts are required to pay Income Tax as Association of Persons, exemption limit for the current financial year 2007-08 being Rs. 110000. Associations registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act,1950 and Section 12 A of Income Tax Act are entitled for exemption under Section 11 & 12 of Income Tax Act for income received for charitable/religious purposes to the extant, they utilize their income on objects specified in Trust Deed/Memorandum of Association. However, any part of such total income, if not spent during the year but accumulated for next year/s (not more than 5 years from 1-4-01) for future application to charitable purposes by obtaining permission of Assessing Officer in Form No 10 is also exempted. Those having income, before such exemptions, exceeding Rs 110000 are required to get accounts audited by C.A., obtain PAN Card and file Income Tax Return regularly with Audit Report in Form 10 B.
Objects of the Associations of Senior Citizens registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 are treated as charitable. As per Section 12(1) of Income Tax Act, 1961, voluntary (Life and Annual) contributions/subscriptions and donations received are treated as income for charitable purpose. Subscriptions credited to Corpus as per bye-laws of the Associations of Senior Citizens and donations received with specific directions from donors for being credited to Corpus are not treated as Income but form part of Corpus, which is not taxable. For being eligible for getting exemptions, Associations of Senior Citizens have to get registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Act by filling in Form No.10 A. The procedure is simple. This form is available with Income Tax Department and Chartered Accountants. It should be accompanied with Original or certified copy of Trust Deed/ Memorandum of Association, copies of Accounts of previous years (not more than 3 years), if existing since earlier years. Those having taxable income shall send Auditor’s Report as well as copy of PAN Card.
Associations of Senior Citizens do not have any sources of income except annual or Life Membership fees and voluntary contributions/donations from members and others. Donors generally expect Certificate under Section 80 G of the Act to get some relief in payment of their Income Tax for their donations. The procedure to get an authority from Income Tax Department for issuing such certificates to Donors is very simple and can be applied immediately on formation of Association. There is general impression that Association should wait for 3 years etc but this is not true. Registration is to be made under Sec 80 G (5) (vi) of the Act. Application is to be made in Form 10 G available with the Department/ Chartered Accountants. This form is to be sent in triplicate to Commissioner of Income Tax having jurisdiction over the Association with the following documents:
Copy of registration received under Section 12 A.
Notes on activities of Association since its inception or during last 3 years, whichever is less.
Copies of Accounts since inception or 3 years, whichever is less.
Registration shall generally be issued within 6 months of applying, excluding periods, if any of delay in-compliance of queries.
(Note: This is for guidance in brief and relevant Acts & Rules should be referred for detailed position).
(E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in ).
According to recent Press Notification, all Institutes/Trusts/Associations requiring exemptions for their incomes received for charitable/religious purposes must get themselves registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 before 31st May, 2007 to get such exemptions for previous periods, failing which they will get exemptions only from the assessment year following the financial year in which they apply.
Associations/ Institutes/Trusts are required to pay Income Tax as Association of Persons, exemption limit for the current financial year 2007-08 being Rs. 110000. Associations registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act,1950 and Section 12 A of Income Tax Act are entitled for exemption under Section 11 & 12 of Income Tax Act for income received for charitable/religious purposes to the extant, they utilize their income on objects specified in Trust Deed/Memorandum of Association. However, any part of such total income, if not spent during the year but accumulated for next year/s (not more than 5 years from 1-4-01) for future application to charitable purposes by obtaining permission of Assessing Officer in Form No 10 is also exempted. Those having income, before such exemptions, exceeding Rs 110000 are required to get accounts audited by C.A., obtain PAN Card and file Income Tax Return regularly with Audit Report in Form 10 B.
Objects of the Associations of Senior Citizens registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 are treated as charitable. As per Section 12(1) of Income Tax Act, 1961, voluntary (Life and Annual) contributions/subscriptions and donations received are treated as income for charitable purpose. Subscriptions credited to Corpus as per bye-laws of the Associations of Senior Citizens and donations received with specific directions from donors for being credited to Corpus are not treated as Income but form part of Corpus, which is not taxable. For being eligible for getting exemptions, Associations of Senior Citizens have to get registered with Income Tax Department under Section 12 A of the Act by filling in Form No.10 A. The procedure is simple. This form is available with Income Tax Department and Chartered Accountants. It should be accompanied with Original or certified copy of Trust Deed/ Memorandum of Association, copies of Accounts of previous years (not more than 3 years), if existing since earlier years. Those having taxable income shall send Auditor’s Report as well as copy of PAN Card.
Associations of Senior Citizens do not have any sources of income except annual or Life Membership fees and voluntary contributions/donations from members and others. Donors generally expect Certificate under Section 80 G of the Act to get some relief in payment of their Income Tax for their donations. The procedure to get an authority from Income Tax Department for issuing such certificates to Donors is very simple and can be applied immediately on formation of Association. There is general impression that Association should wait for 3 years etc but this is not true. Registration is to be made under Sec 80 G (5) (vi) of the Act. Application is to be made in Form 10 G available with the Department/ Chartered Accountants. This form is to be sent in triplicate to Commissioner of Income Tax having jurisdiction over the Association with the following documents:
Copy of registration received under Section 12 A.
Notes on activities of Association since its inception or during last 3 years, whichever is less.
Copies of Accounts since inception or 3 years, whichever is less.
Registration shall generally be issued within 6 months of applying, excluding periods, if any of delay in-compliance of queries.
(Note: This is for guidance in brief and relevant Acts & Rules should be referred for detailed position).
(E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in ).
Lonliness & Senior Citizens.
Loneliness: M.V.Ruparelia.
Loneliness:
``We act as though comfort and luxury were chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.``
Charles Kingsley.
Due to advent of Western philosophy, nuclear family system, retirement, death of spouse, going away of children due to service, social conditioning & customs, financial restraints, health condition & lack of proper affordable medical facilities, many Senior Citizens in rural & urban areas face loneliness and abuse. Many educated & well-off Senior Citizens also face loneliness due to inertia, `empty nest syndrome`, pre-conceived perception & closed outlook etc! A person retires from service or reaches a certain age and he feels that he has done a lot and now deserves rest! He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health, psychosomatic diseases & connected problems! He develops inertia; he does not participate in any functions, does not go to any Associations, and does not want to learn anything new! He feels, he need not waste his energy, which requires to be preserved at this age! He forgets that we have unlimited energy and even in active life, we have used a very small % of energy. In old age also, we have unlimited energy and the Principle is ``USE IT OR LOOSE IT.`` Such self isolation increases depression, timidity, anxiety, longing for death, confusion, self-neglect, vague health problems, mounting resentment, unusual fatigue, withholding of food or medicines, hostility, unresponsiveness etc.This is Self Abuse also! A new study reveals that loneliness & isolation doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. To counter such risks, Senior Citizens should participate in social activities, increase the number of their close friends in whom they can confine their feelings, fears, thoughts in their own interest and should have a Support Group.
Earlier, in joint family system, elders were accommodated, looked after and there were less cases of isolation & loneliness. Due to individualism, human rights, women lib etc, this joint family system has weakened to a considerable extant. No efforts are made by Govt/ Media to strengthen the Joint Family System, as envisaged in NPOP,99. The recent passing of ``Parents Welfare & Maintenance Act``lays down the emphasis on responsibility of children for looking after their parents. Though, many parents may not go to Tribunals against their children due to our culture, the mere existence of this Act and provision of suo-motto action shall deter the children from driving away their parents from home and instead of paying Monthly Allowance; many may like to keep parents with them, as that may be cheaper for middle and lower income group. The Act shall reinforce the importance & role of the family to some extant, which has shattered in recent times due to adverse influence of Western Culture.
Government can take the following practical & effective steps to reduce the loneliness related problems of Senior Citizens:-
i) Get created literature and force Media by legislating, if necessary to encourage Joint Family System and encourage individuals to participate in social activities etc to reduce loneliness to some extent; give tax concession & other incentives to those keeping & looking after their parents & other senior relatives.
ii) Establish well equipped Day Care Activity Centres in villages as well as cities-one for about 10 thousand Senior Citizens, manned by properly trained welfare personnel. If possible, capable Senior Citizens should be trained and appointed on honorarium basis for such work, which shall be cheaper to the Govt and beneficial to Senior Citizens. Provide Holiday Homes, Convalescent Homes, Nana-Nani Parks etc.
iii) Establish a separate Department/ Ministry at Central & State level for planning the action for looking after various requirements of Senior Citizens and this Department should be manned by Senior Citizens on honorarium basis. This will create second career opportunities and utilization of Think-tank appropriately. This Department may be allotted the following duties:-
a) Ensure implementation of all Policies, Acts etc of Govts for Senior Citizens.
b) Administer all Day Care Activity Centres and ensure all types of help to Senior Citizens.
c) Obtain & maintain full details of all Senior Citizens through DCACentres and make them responsible for welfare of all Senior Citizens in their areas.
iv) Raise the pension for BPL as per GDP and raise the present limit of Rs 18000 to annual GDP level, as that amount is due to each citizen! Notify income limit of Middle Class also and give them free or concessional facilities in various matters.
v) Make compulsory to appoint Senior Citizens on various Consultative Committees, if possible on honorarium basis or as a social service to keep them engaged and give benefit to the Society of their reach experience.
vi) Raise the age of retirement, keeping in view long healthy life span. With the overall development of economy and expansion of employment opportunities and keeping the fact that population of Senior Citizens is increasing at higher rate than new born, a legislation can be brought to engage Senior Citizens for certain jobs or a certain % can be fixed for engagement of Senior Citizens in Government, Public & Private Sectors, may be on honorarium basis with relaxed hours. Senior Citizens are also entitled to `Right to Work` as laid down in our Constitution.
vii) Make it mandatory for Public Sector, Corporate & other major Employers to provide Welfare Centres- Activity Centres for their retired employees to pass time; call the retired employees for all their official functions/celebrations and have a special function at least once on 1st October every year on Elders` Day. Provide facilities for picnics, some holiday homes etc.
viii) Encourage or make compulsory for all schools/colleges to encourage students to respect and help Senior Citizens, as & when & where possible and arrange some programmes to mix with Senior Citizens. This shall go a long way to integrate two generations. All Schools/Colleges should be requested to give one room to registered Associations of Senior Citizens, if requested every day in the evenings for their activities, gathering etc. Their Halls should also be given occasionally for lectures, functions etc.
It may be noted here that by solving or reducing the problems of Loneliness, the cases of Elder Abuse can not be reduced/curbed, except curbing/reducing the Self Abuse and murder cases to some extent.
Planning of Older Years to deal with emotional issues:-
Proper training for planning the retirement should be given to each citizen at appropriate age. Once a person retires or decides to retire from earning life, he should be able to live life happily and pass time usefully with his hobbies, engaging in social service, having a good Support Group, participating in activities of Senior Citizens Associations, developing the spirit of `let go`; endurance/tolerance, Forget & Forgive; giving up ego of status of earning life and assuming the new Status of Senior Citizen.
Loneliness:
``We act as though comfort and luxury were chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.``
Charles Kingsley.
Due to advent of Western philosophy, nuclear family system, retirement, death of spouse, going away of children due to service, social conditioning & customs, financial restraints, health condition & lack of proper affordable medical facilities, many Senior Citizens in rural & urban areas face loneliness and abuse. Many educated & well-off Senior Citizens also face loneliness due to inertia, `empty nest syndrome`, pre-conceived perception & closed outlook etc! A person retires from service or reaches a certain age and he feels that he has done a lot and now deserves rest! He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health, psychosomatic diseases & connected problems! He develops inertia; he does not participate in any functions, does not go to any Associations, and does not want to learn anything new! He feels, he need not waste his energy, which requires to be preserved at this age! He forgets that we have unlimited energy and even in active life, we have used a very small % of energy. In old age also, we have unlimited energy and the Principle is ``USE IT OR LOOSE IT.`` Such self isolation increases depression, timidity, anxiety, longing for death, confusion, self-neglect, vague health problems, mounting resentment, unusual fatigue, withholding of food or medicines, hostility, unresponsiveness etc.This is Self Abuse also! A new study reveals that loneliness & isolation doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. To counter such risks, Senior Citizens should participate in social activities, increase the number of their close friends in whom they can confine their feelings, fears, thoughts in their own interest and should have a Support Group.
Earlier, in joint family system, elders were accommodated, looked after and there were less cases of isolation & loneliness. Due to individualism, human rights, women lib etc, this joint family system has weakened to a considerable extant. No efforts are made by Govt/ Media to strengthen the Joint Family System, as envisaged in NPOP,99. The recent passing of ``Parents Welfare & Maintenance Act``lays down the emphasis on responsibility of children for looking after their parents. Though, many parents may not go to Tribunals against their children due to our culture, the mere existence of this Act and provision of suo-motto action shall deter the children from driving away their parents from home and instead of paying Monthly Allowance; many may like to keep parents with them, as that may be cheaper for middle and lower income group. The Act shall reinforce the importance & role of the family to some extant, which has shattered in recent times due to adverse influence of Western Culture.
Government can take the following practical & effective steps to reduce the loneliness related problems of Senior Citizens:-
i) Get created literature and force Media by legislating, if necessary to encourage Joint Family System and encourage individuals to participate in social activities etc to reduce loneliness to some extent; give tax concession & other incentives to those keeping & looking after their parents & other senior relatives.
ii) Establish well equipped Day Care Activity Centres in villages as well as cities-one for about 10 thousand Senior Citizens, manned by properly trained welfare personnel. If possible, capable Senior Citizens should be trained and appointed on honorarium basis for such work, which shall be cheaper to the Govt and beneficial to Senior Citizens. Provide Holiday Homes, Convalescent Homes, Nana-Nani Parks etc.
iii) Establish a separate Department/ Ministry at Central & State level for planning the action for looking after various requirements of Senior Citizens and this Department should be manned by Senior Citizens on honorarium basis. This will create second career opportunities and utilization of Think-tank appropriately. This Department may be allotted the following duties:-
a) Ensure implementation of all Policies, Acts etc of Govts for Senior Citizens.
b) Administer all Day Care Activity Centres and ensure all types of help to Senior Citizens.
c) Obtain & maintain full details of all Senior Citizens through DCACentres and make them responsible for welfare of all Senior Citizens in their areas.
iv) Raise the pension for BPL as per GDP and raise the present limit of Rs 18000 to annual GDP level, as that amount is due to each citizen! Notify income limit of Middle Class also and give them free or concessional facilities in various matters.
v) Make compulsory to appoint Senior Citizens on various Consultative Committees, if possible on honorarium basis or as a social service to keep them engaged and give benefit to the Society of their reach experience.
vi) Raise the age of retirement, keeping in view long healthy life span. With the overall development of economy and expansion of employment opportunities and keeping the fact that population of Senior Citizens is increasing at higher rate than new born, a legislation can be brought to engage Senior Citizens for certain jobs or a certain % can be fixed for engagement of Senior Citizens in Government, Public & Private Sectors, may be on honorarium basis with relaxed hours. Senior Citizens are also entitled to `Right to Work` as laid down in our Constitution.
vii) Make it mandatory for Public Sector, Corporate & other major Employers to provide Welfare Centres- Activity Centres for their retired employees to pass time; call the retired employees for all their official functions/celebrations and have a special function at least once on 1st October every year on Elders` Day. Provide facilities for picnics, some holiday homes etc.
viii) Encourage or make compulsory for all schools/colleges to encourage students to respect and help Senior Citizens, as & when & where possible and arrange some programmes to mix with Senior Citizens. This shall go a long way to integrate two generations. All Schools/Colleges should be requested to give one room to registered Associations of Senior Citizens, if requested every day in the evenings for their activities, gathering etc. Their Halls should also be given occasionally for lectures, functions etc.
It may be noted here that by solving or reducing the problems of Loneliness, the cases of Elder Abuse can not be reduced/curbed, except curbing/reducing the Self Abuse and murder cases to some extent.
Planning of Older Years to deal with emotional issues:-
Proper training for planning the retirement should be given to each citizen at appropriate age. Once a person retires or decides to retire from earning life, he should be able to live life happily and pass time usefully with his hobbies, engaging in social service, having a good Support Group, participating in activities of Senior Citizens Associations, developing the spirit of `let go`; endurance/tolerance, Forget & Forgive; giving up ego of status of earning life and assuming the new Status of Senior Citizen.
Let Each Association Awake!
Let Each Association Awake! M.V.Ruparelia.
Dr. Man Mohan Singh, our Prime Minister, while releasing his 10- Point Social Charter recently at the inaugural session of Confederation of Indian Industries Annual Summit, 2007, reminded the industrialists to realize their social responsibility of caring for less privileged sections of the Society. The Corporate Sector is already contributing a lot by themselves as well as through participating partnership with various NGOs and appears ready to help for any specific cause. Each Association of Sr Citizens can take up one important local issue/problem/topic, collaborate with local Bank/Businessman/Municipality etc and do something concrete for the Society in addition to present activities of chit-chatting, listening lectures, arranging health camps, celebrating birthdays etc.
Each Association can also meet the local Associations of Doctors, Chemists and make them persuade their elite members to adopt on long term basis some needy deserving Sr Citizens for free check-ups including pathological investigations and medicines and some concessions for all Sr Citizens as a mark of respect. They can also meet other big businessmen in Malls, Big Bazaars, Big Shops to get needy deserving Sr Citizens (even though not below poverty line but having limited resources) adopted on long term basis for free or concessional rate monthly requirement of groceries. Big industrialists/Trusts/Municipality etc can be approached for providing Day Care Centres, Vrudhashram, Convalescent Home, and Holiday Home etc in your locality with active partnership in management.
Dr. Man Mohan Singh, our Prime Minister, while releasing his 10- Point Social Charter recently at the inaugural session of Confederation of Indian Industries Annual Summit, 2007, reminded the industrialists to realize their social responsibility of caring for less privileged sections of the Society. The Corporate Sector is already contributing a lot by themselves as well as through participating partnership with various NGOs and appears ready to help for any specific cause. Each Association of Sr Citizens can take up one important local issue/problem/topic, collaborate with local Bank/Businessman/Municipality etc and do something concrete for the Society in addition to present activities of chit-chatting, listening lectures, arranging health camps, celebrating birthdays etc.
Each Association can also meet the local Associations of Doctors, Chemists and make them persuade their elite members to adopt on long term basis some needy deserving Sr Citizens for free check-ups including pathological investigations and medicines and some concessions for all Sr Citizens as a mark of respect. They can also meet other big businessmen in Malls, Big Bazaars, Big Shops to get needy deserving Sr Citizens (even though not below poverty line but having limited resources) adopted on long term basis for free or concessional rate monthly requirement of groceries. Big industrialists/Trusts/Municipality etc can be approached for providing Day Care Centres, Vrudhashram, Convalescent Home, and Holiday Home etc in your locality with active partnership in management.
Expectations of Senior Citizens.
Expectations Of Senior Citizens:
M.V.Ruparelia.
United Nations have defined a Country as ``Ageing``, when the proportion of people over 60 years goes to 7%. India has exceeded this proportion with number becoming more than 8 crores. Last Century’s biggest achievement is Longevity but due to industrialization, urbanization & westernization of our Society, the Joint Family, which was the natural Support System for Elders, has become almost non-existent. Elderly Population in our Country is the second largest in the World. 75% live in rural areas, 74% are illiterate, 50% are women, out of which 55% are widows, and 66% are in vulnerable situation without having food, clothing & shelter. There are 225 cities with over 1 lakh population. In last 10 years, growth in elderly population is increasing at more than double the rate of increase in general population due to improved health-care systems, low mortality & low fertility factors due to adoption of Family Planning.
The fact that there would be more & more elders in future with the above types requires a serious thought by Government and all segments of Society. If proper attention is not paid now to such a large number of experienced elders, their position & problems, the Society will face a serious insurmountable problem!
The darker scenario is that Senior Citizens are treated as unproductive, there is not much respectful recognition in the Society & inspite of Govt Orders, even the minor benefits like separate ques at Post Offices, Hospitals etc are not yet implemented by many departments/units & where implemented, are resented by younger generation by shouting, not vacating seats reserved in buses etc etc. There is abuse of elders. Many below poverty line are not looked after by children, relatives, society, Governments. More than 30% readers of Newspapers & viewers of T.V. are Senior Citizens, but no separate page/supplementary or slot is given for them by Media. They are neither given proper consideration by any Political Party (Legislative), nor by Government (Executive), nor by Courts (Judiciary) nor by Powerful Fourth Estate-the Media.
Government had got prepared by Master Minds the most comprehensive document and declared it as National Policy On Older Persons,1999(NPOP) but little action is taken by nodal Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for its implementation in last 9 years, as would be seen from the following.
The expectation of Senior Citizens from Government is the expeditious & sincere implementation of this all-covering Policy.
i) Para 24: Monthly Pension to Senior Citizens below poverty line was to be revised periodically to beat the inflation. This has not been done, except once and that too is not followed by all State Govts. This should be done every 6 months.
ii) Para 28: Cost of medical treatment & medicines has not been got reduced. Appeal can be made to Associations/Federations of Manufacturers of Medicines, Chemists, and Doctors etc. No concession/rebate is given to children keeping their parents with them.
iii) Para 30: No sincere efforts are made to introduce pre-retirement counseling.
iv) Para 31: Age related discriminations in matters of entitlement to credit; marketing & other facilities are not removed nor reduced. On the contrary, it is allowed to be increased. Insurance companies (including medi-claim) refuse to take proposals, increase premiums and reduce commission to agents for such proposals!
v) Para 34: 36: Heavily subsidized health services are not yet provided by all State Government/Municipal Hospitals except one or two states like Maharashtra. Efforts should be made to peruse States & Municipalities.
vi) Para 37: 38: Private Trusts, Charitable Institutes & Private Hospitals given subsidy and/or land at cheaper rates do not provide free/subsidized health care facilities.
vii) Para 39: Separate ques to avoid long waits & visits to different counters are not provided in most of the places like Hospitals/Dispensaries, Post Offices, Banks, Payment Counters for Public Utility Services etc. Even copies of instructions issued are not available with most the offices! Such instructions need reiteration & monitoring.
vii) Para 40: Medical Personnel are not given any training & orientation in health care of elderly, as envisaged! Even educated Doctors do not behave properly & with respect to elderly!
viii) Para 45: Health Education Programme, if at all introduced, has not reached to elders through mass media & communication channels.
ix) Para 48: 10% of houses & house sites are not given to Senior Citizens anywhere so far.
x) Para 49: 50: Elder friendly colonies & Group Housing with multi purpose Centres and common facilities for meals, laundry, rest rooms, security, medical are not provided.
xi) Para 55: Education, training & information needs of Senior Citizens relevant to their lives do not appear to have been disseminated using mass media etc. Training for carrier development & creative use of leisure, art, culture, social heritage, community work & social welfare activities is not given to Senior Citizens.
xii) Para 58: Individuals of all ages, families & communities have not been provided with any information about age process and managing various roles and responsibilities & relationships at different stages of life cycles. For such ongoing education, some magazine should be published by Government.
xiii) Para 60: 61: Old age houses by private parties are not given proper subsidies nor their staff is given any training to treat inhabitants well.
xiv) Para 62: No encouragement comes from any Government source for forming Associations of Senior Citizens. No accommodation, no recognition, no representation!! Maharashtra Government has recently issued a directive to give one room to Associations of Senior Citizens on Sunday & holidays. Central Government can issue such directive to all States for accommodation, recognition, subsidy, day care centers etc.
xv) Para 63: Existence of Welfare Fund for Senior Citizens is not felt!
xvi) Para 67: Although Police Department has started providing Help Line etc, security of Senior Citizens is still a major problem.
xvii) Para 68: Still some States do not issue Identity Cards. No concessions are given in entertainment fees of cinema/drama/cultural houses, Tourist hotels, Travel & Tour organizations. Number of seats in Public Transport is very much less and that too are not vacated by others. No separate coach like handicaps or ladies is given to Senior Citizens in Suburban Trains. Crossing by Senior Citizens at zebra crossings is not at all ensured by Traffic Police or other members of public & drivers!
xviii) Para 69: No machinery is laid down to attend to grievances of Senior Citizens or ensuring prompt replies to their representations.
xix) Para 70: Either sufficient action is not taken by Government to highlight the issues of Senior Citizens on 1st October every year and if taken is not visible nor any media takes note of it.
xx) Para 71: Facilities, concessions etc are required to be updated periodically and given to associations of Senior Citizens. No association is given such information.
xxi) Para 79: No efforts are made to highlight the Role of Senior Citizens through special programmes and mass media. Annual recognition awards on par with other Awards should be provided.
xxii) Para 85: Services of Senior Citizens for Resource Centers, Research Centers etc should be utilized and establishment of such centers highlighted through mass media.
xxiii) Para 88: Media has completely boycotted the NPOP,99 from the beginning!! Government must use its good offices to make Media realize their important role of highlighting the changing situation of Senior Citizens and identify issues and areas of action. Without Medias` cooperation, neither Government nor Senior Citizens can achieve much!
xxiv) Para 93:94: Five Year Plans and Annual Action Plans are not made known to the Senior Citizens. Annual reports of every Ministry is also not published in media or distributed to associations of Senior Citizens. Discussions in National Convention every 3 years are also not made known to Senior Citizens.
xxv) Para 96: No action is taken to form National association of Older Persons(NAOP) even after 8 years! Without such a National Associations of Senior Citizens, Government can not achieve anything!!
Expectations of Senior Citizens from other segments of the Society:
Media:
As a Torch Bearer for the entire Society, it is necessary for the media to foresee the social situation and highlight to all segments of the Society, the necessity of thinking & taking appropriate & adequate steps before the situation worsens & becomes insurmountable. It is only the Media, which can highlight the situation which is likely to be created in near future due to increasing number of elders and change the present indifferent attitude of Society & Government towards the problems & needs of Elders.
One of the major problems of Elders is how to pass time usefully. They are the Think-Tank of the Society. They have done a lot for Society during their prime time. Media has to give them space to express. After having regular routine for 30-40 years, there is a vacuum in Elders` life. Few are able to do useful work of their choice. Rest remains in the house idling & just passing/killing time. Media can create various avenues for them to express & feel useful. Each Newspaper can give one/half page every day and T.V. Channels can give half hour slot daily/2-3 days in a week exclusively for Elders highlighting needs, problems, health-care, safety, mobility, second careers etc. Such a space in Media will create lot of material for Elders and the Society. Thinkers, Experts, Sociologist also will write & guide Elders in such space. Senior Citizens writing or acting in T.V. may be given recognition & monetary rewards, which will enthuse them & bring them out of routine & hopelessness, if any in some. Media may also appoint some elders as ``Correspondents`` or`` Representatives`` for some areas for bringing material about activities of Elders & their Associations and pay them honorarium. This will have not only financial support but also a feeling of usefulness.
Individuals & Groups/Organizations:
All must look after their parents well and ignoring/ maltreatment etc should be a social stigma as well as punishable offence. Where children do not exist or are not able to look after due to very bad financial position, other individuals, groups, organizations can serve the needy Senior Citizens as per few examples given below:-
a) Let Young Couples adopt “God Parent.”
Many young couples go for service and there is nobody to look after their children. Adoption of Parent or a single Elder of their choice will go a long way to make such Elders happy and will be beneficial to the couple also in many respects including good care and `sanskar`of their children.
b) Let each Doctor adopt a “God Parent.”
Most of the Medical Associations are arranging Check-ups and Lectures for Senior Citizens, keeping in view extreme need of looking after the deteriorating health of elders. They can advise all their Members to adopt 1 elderly couple or 1 or 2 single elders for free check-ups & advice, as and when necessary/ once a month and if possible, to give medicines, nourishments, dietary supplements etc, as necessary free. Let each Specialist/ Consultant keep 2 hours in a week for free examination of Senior Citizens. Each Hospital, especially Eye Hospitals, Investigating Laboratories including Pathology may also keep 2-3 hours in a week for free treatment of Senior Citizens.
c) Let Good Educational Institute adopt one Association of Senior Citizens.
Passing time usefully & peacefully is a major need of Senior Citizens. Most of their Associations do not have accommodation to meet regularly. They hardly meet 2-3 times in a year. Royal College, Mira Road has shown the way by giving spacious accommodation for daily meeting for 3 hours from 16 to 19 hrs and free use of their Library & Indoor Games.30-40 Senior Citizens gather every day and exchange views on useful topics, do social service to all citizens of their areas and do almost all activities on par with Activity Centers of Dignity Foundation & Harmony, Mumbai without any fees. Let Good Institutes open their doors and give as many facilities as possible for meeting together and passing time usefully in their crucial phase of life. When they are enabled to come together, they, being Think-Tank, will be useful to the Institute & the Society with their varied experience in various fields. Let Trusts, Builders, Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Rotary & Lion’s Clubs, Gymkhanas etc also come up and open Activity Centers, Separate Colonies, Convalescent Homes, Holiday Homes, and Nana-Nani Parks etc for their Elders in various Areas. Let all States follow Maharashtra and offer one room in Municipal Schools on Sundays & Holidays to nearby Associations of Senior Citizens.
d) Let Corporate World adopt needy Senior Citizens of an Area and help other Senior Citizens through P.P.P.
There are many Senior Citizens, who are facing financial problems and some are not able to meet two ends meet. Big Corporate Houses can adopt an area of their choice after surveying the number & need of such Senior Citizens. Such elders can be given their monthly requirements of food, clothes and very essential necessities. Their services can be utilized in some way, as possible. They should also look after their retired employees and provide them proper facilities, as a welfare measure. They should help other Senior Citizens by adopting P.P.P. as their policy.
e) Let Shopping Malls etc adopt 5-10Needy Elders.
Shopping Malls, Big Bazaars, Big Merchant Firms, Trusts etc can adopt 5-10 Elders for giving groceries & other essential requirements, clothing, medicines etc. Let each limb of Society come up to look after their needy elders.
M.V.Ruparelia.
United Nations have defined a Country as ``Ageing``, when the proportion of people over 60 years goes to 7%. India has exceeded this proportion with number becoming more than 8 crores. Last Century’s biggest achievement is Longevity but due to industrialization, urbanization & westernization of our Society, the Joint Family, which was the natural Support System for Elders, has become almost non-existent. Elderly Population in our Country is the second largest in the World. 75% live in rural areas, 74% are illiterate, 50% are women, out of which 55% are widows, and 66% are in vulnerable situation without having food, clothing & shelter. There are 225 cities with over 1 lakh population. In last 10 years, growth in elderly population is increasing at more than double the rate of increase in general population due to improved health-care systems, low mortality & low fertility factors due to adoption of Family Planning.
The fact that there would be more & more elders in future with the above types requires a serious thought by Government and all segments of Society. If proper attention is not paid now to such a large number of experienced elders, their position & problems, the Society will face a serious insurmountable problem!
The darker scenario is that Senior Citizens are treated as unproductive, there is not much respectful recognition in the Society & inspite of Govt Orders, even the minor benefits like separate ques at Post Offices, Hospitals etc are not yet implemented by many departments/units & where implemented, are resented by younger generation by shouting, not vacating seats reserved in buses etc etc. There is abuse of elders. Many below poverty line are not looked after by children, relatives, society, Governments. More than 30% readers of Newspapers & viewers of T.V. are Senior Citizens, but no separate page/supplementary or slot is given for them by Media. They are neither given proper consideration by any Political Party (Legislative), nor by Government (Executive), nor by Courts (Judiciary) nor by Powerful Fourth Estate-the Media.
Government had got prepared by Master Minds the most comprehensive document and declared it as National Policy On Older Persons,1999(NPOP) but little action is taken by nodal Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for its implementation in last 9 years, as would be seen from the following.
The expectation of Senior Citizens from Government is the expeditious & sincere implementation of this all-covering Policy.
i) Para 24: Monthly Pension to Senior Citizens below poverty line was to be revised periodically to beat the inflation. This has not been done, except once and that too is not followed by all State Govts. This should be done every 6 months.
ii) Para 28: Cost of medical treatment & medicines has not been got reduced. Appeal can be made to Associations/Federations of Manufacturers of Medicines, Chemists, and Doctors etc. No concession/rebate is given to children keeping their parents with them.
iii) Para 30: No sincere efforts are made to introduce pre-retirement counseling.
iv) Para 31: Age related discriminations in matters of entitlement to credit; marketing & other facilities are not removed nor reduced. On the contrary, it is allowed to be increased. Insurance companies (including medi-claim) refuse to take proposals, increase premiums and reduce commission to agents for such proposals!
v) Para 34: 36: Heavily subsidized health services are not yet provided by all State Government/Municipal Hospitals except one or two states like Maharashtra. Efforts should be made to peruse States & Municipalities.
vi) Para 37: 38: Private Trusts, Charitable Institutes & Private Hospitals given subsidy and/or land at cheaper rates do not provide free/subsidized health care facilities.
vii) Para 39: Separate ques to avoid long waits & visits to different counters are not provided in most of the places like Hospitals/Dispensaries, Post Offices, Banks, Payment Counters for Public Utility Services etc. Even copies of instructions issued are not available with most the offices! Such instructions need reiteration & monitoring.
vii) Para 40: Medical Personnel are not given any training & orientation in health care of elderly, as envisaged! Even educated Doctors do not behave properly & with respect to elderly!
viii) Para 45: Health Education Programme, if at all introduced, has not reached to elders through mass media & communication channels.
ix) Para 48: 10% of houses & house sites are not given to Senior Citizens anywhere so far.
x) Para 49: 50: Elder friendly colonies & Group Housing with multi purpose Centres and common facilities for meals, laundry, rest rooms, security, medical are not provided.
xi) Para 55: Education, training & information needs of Senior Citizens relevant to their lives do not appear to have been disseminated using mass media etc. Training for carrier development & creative use of leisure, art, culture, social heritage, community work & social welfare activities is not given to Senior Citizens.
xii) Para 58: Individuals of all ages, families & communities have not been provided with any information about age process and managing various roles and responsibilities & relationships at different stages of life cycles. For such ongoing education, some magazine should be published by Government.
xiii) Para 60: 61: Old age houses by private parties are not given proper subsidies nor their staff is given any training to treat inhabitants well.
xiv) Para 62: No encouragement comes from any Government source for forming Associations of Senior Citizens. No accommodation, no recognition, no representation!! Maharashtra Government has recently issued a directive to give one room to Associations of Senior Citizens on Sunday & holidays. Central Government can issue such directive to all States for accommodation, recognition, subsidy, day care centers etc.
xv) Para 63: Existence of Welfare Fund for Senior Citizens is not felt!
xvi) Para 67: Although Police Department has started providing Help Line etc, security of Senior Citizens is still a major problem.
xvii) Para 68: Still some States do not issue Identity Cards. No concessions are given in entertainment fees of cinema/drama/cultural houses, Tourist hotels, Travel & Tour organizations. Number of seats in Public Transport is very much less and that too are not vacated by others. No separate coach like handicaps or ladies is given to Senior Citizens in Suburban Trains. Crossing by Senior Citizens at zebra crossings is not at all ensured by Traffic Police or other members of public & drivers!
xviii) Para 69: No machinery is laid down to attend to grievances of Senior Citizens or ensuring prompt replies to their representations.
xix) Para 70: Either sufficient action is not taken by Government to highlight the issues of Senior Citizens on 1st October every year and if taken is not visible nor any media takes note of it.
xx) Para 71: Facilities, concessions etc are required to be updated periodically and given to associations of Senior Citizens. No association is given such information.
xxi) Para 79: No efforts are made to highlight the Role of Senior Citizens through special programmes and mass media. Annual recognition awards on par with other Awards should be provided.
xxii) Para 85: Services of Senior Citizens for Resource Centers, Research Centers etc should be utilized and establishment of such centers highlighted through mass media.
xxiii) Para 88: Media has completely boycotted the NPOP,99 from the beginning!! Government must use its good offices to make Media realize their important role of highlighting the changing situation of Senior Citizens and identify issues and areas of action. Without Medias` cooperation, neither Government nor Senior Citizens can achieve much!
xxiv) Para 93:94: Five Year Plans and Annual Action Plans are not made known to the Senior Citizens. Annual reports of every Ministry is also not published in media or distributed to associations of Senior Citizens. Discussions in National Convention every 3 years are also not made known to Senior Citizens.
xxv) Para 96: No action is taken to form National association of Older Persons(NAOP) even after 8 years! Without such a National Associations of Senior Citizens, Government can not achieve anything!!
Expectations of Senior Citizens from other segments of the Society:
Media:
As a Torch Bearer for the entire Society, it is necessary for the media to foresee the social situation and highlight to all segments of the Society, the necessity of thinking & taking appropriate & adequate steps before the situation worsens & becomes insurmountable. It is only the Media, which can highlight the situation which is likely to be created in near future due to increasing number of elders and change the present indifferent attitude of Society & Government towards the problems & needs of Elders.
One of the major problems of Elders is how to pass time usefully. They are the Think-Tank of the Society. They have done a lot for Society during their prime time. Media has to give them space to express. After having regular routine for 30-40 years, there is a vacuum in Elders` life. Few are able to do useful work of their choice. Rest remains in the house idling & just passing/killing time. Media can create various avenues for them to express & feel useful. Each Newspaper can give one/half page every day and T.V. Channels can give half hour slot daily/2-3 days in a week exclusively for Elders highlighting needs, problems, health-care, safety, mobility, second careers etc. Such a space in Media will create lot of material for Elders and the Society. Thinkers, Experts, Sociologist also will write & guide Elders in such space. Senior Citizens writing or acting in T.V. may be given recognition & monetary rewards, which will enthuse them & bring them out of routine & hopelessness, if any in some. Media may also appoint some elders as ``Correspondents`` or`` Representatives`` for some areas for bringing material about activities of Elders & their Associations and pay them honorarium. This will have not only financial support but also a feeling of usefulness.
Individuals & Groups/Organizations:
All must look after their parents well and ignoring/ maltreatment etc should be a social stigma as well as punishable offence. Where children do not exist or are not able to look after due to very bad financial position, other individuals, groups, organizations can serve the needy Senior Citizens as per few examples given below:-
a) Let Young Couples adopt “God Parent.”
Many young couples go for service and there is nobody to look after their children. Adoption of Parent or a single Elder of their choice will go a long way to make such Elders happy and will be beneficial to the couple also in many respects including good care and `sanskar`of their children.
b) Let each Doctor adopt a “God Parent.”
Most of the Medical Associations are arranging Check-ups and Lectures for Senior Citizens, keeping in view extreme need of looking after the deteriorating health of elders. They can advise all their Members to adopt 1 elderly couple or 1 or 2 single elders for free check-ups & advice, as and when necessary/ once a month and if possible, to give medicines, nourishments, dietary supplements etc, as necessary free. Let each Specialist/ Consultant keep 2 hours in a week for free examination of Senior Citizens. Each Hospital, especially Eye Hospitals, Investigating Laboratories including Pathology may also keep 2-3 hours in a week for free treatment of Senior Citizens.
c) Let Good Educational Institute adopt one Association of Senior Citizens.
Passing time usefully & peacefully is a major need of Senior Citizens. Most of their Associations do not have accommodation to meet regularly. They hardly meet 2-3 times in a year. Royal College, Mira Road has shown the way by giving spacious accommodation for daily meeting for 3 hours from 16 to 19 hrs and free use of their Library & Indoor Games.30-40 Senior Citizens gather every day and exchange views on useful topics, do social service to all citizens of their areas and do almost all activities on par with Activity Centers of Dignity Foundation & Harmony, Mumbai without any fees. Let Good Institutes open their doors and give as many facilities as possible for meeting together and passing time usefully in their crucial phase of life. When they are enabled to come together, they, being Think-Tank, will be useful to the Institute & the Society with their varied experience in various fields. Let Trusts, Builders, Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Rotary & Lion’s Clubs, Gymkhanas etc also come up and open Activity Centers, Separate Colonies, Convalescent Homes, Holiday Homes, and Nana-Nani Parks etc for their Elders in various Areas. Let all States follow Maharashtra and offer one room in Municipal Schools on Sundays & Holidays to nearby Associations of Senior Citizens.
d) Let Corporate World adopt needy Senior Citizens of an Area and help other Senior Citizens through P.P.P.
There are many Senior Citizens, who are facing financial problems and some are not able to meet two ends meet. Big Corporate Houses can adopt an area of their choice after surveying the number & need of such Senior Citizens. Such elders can be given their monthly requirements of food, clothes and very essential necessities. Their services can be utilized in some way, as possible. They should also look after their retired employees and provide them proper facilities, as a welfare measure. They should help other Senior Citizens by adopting P.P.P. as their policy.
e) Let Shopping Malls etc adopt 5-10Needy Elders.
Shopping Malls, Big Bazaars, Big Merchant Firms, Trusts etc can adopt 5-10 Elders for giving groceries & other essential requirements, clothing, medicines etc. Let each limb of Society come up to look after their needy elders.
Letter to Prime Minister for simplifying procedure for Payment of Pension to Senior Citizens below Poverty Line.
To Date: 13-10-09.
Dr. Man Mohan Singhji,
Hon. Prime Minister of India,
South Block, New Delhi-101101.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Payment of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS) launched on 19-11-07.
You were kind enough to launch the above scheme for benefit of all Senior Citizens of 65 years and above living below poverty line as a Social Security Scheme and Support System. The Ministry of Rural Development issued instructions to States to grant this megre Pension to those citizens, who are 65 and above and belong to a household below the poverty line, which is decided as per their guidelines for BPL Census, 2002. In these guidelines, 13 socio-economic parameters were prescribed to identify relative position of each family in rural area by giving variable scores from village to village depending upon local conditions for targeting people under Ministry`s Rural BPL Programmes. No such guidelines are issued by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation for classifying an urban citizen as BPL. 13 socio-economic parameters may be useful to Ministry Of Rural Development for launching a particular scheme in a particular village or for a particular family but in no way can help in deciding the eligibility to pay megre monthly Pension to Senior Citizens of 65 & above having megre income or staying hand to mouth in their last spell of life. How far such house to house survey applying 13 complicated parameters having 4 different scoring can be useful to decide eligibility for monthly Pension to Senior Citizens? There is no necessity of targeting Senior Citizens neither for paying IGNOAPS nor to fix their interse eligibility. More over, such guidelines go on changing for every Five Year Plan Period. We may give one example to consider the impracticality of such guidelines. In the very well developed suburb of Mira Road of Mumbai, there are more than 4 lakhs of citizens having more than 80 thousand Senior Citizens, out of which 50 thousand are above 65 and more than 20 thousand are living below poverty line and pass their last spell of life hand to mouth. The number of all BPL Families, including citizens above 65 for this Area are only 17-seventeen, as advised by Municipal Corporation vide their letter no. ja.kra.manapa/sujayo/7/2009-10
dt 14-8-09. It would be clear from this that eligible Senior Citizens are not classified as belonging to BPL Families and not paid megre Pension due to complicated procedures causing corruption at various levels. Considering the poverty lines of each State, a financial income limit per month or per annum should be fixed for paying this megre Pension to Senior Citizens irrespective of their family income, as Senior Citizens staying in joint families and having no income or megre income are not properly looked after by children and not paid any pocket money etc. State of Maharashtra has fixed Rs. 21000 p.a. for their Schemes.
You will be surprised to know that there is no definition of Below Poverty Individual or Family either with Ministry of Rural Development or Planning Commission. The Planning Commission estimates the number and percentage of poor at National & State levels on the basis of rough and large sample survey data on house hold consumer expenditure at All-India figure of Rs 356.30 in Rural and Rs 538.60 in Urban Areas
(Press Information Bureau Estimates notified on 21-3-07).Such rough estimation can be used for providing Budget etc but not for deciding eligibility for payment of megre Pension to Senior Citizens of 65 and above.
In view of the above position and there being 3 Ministries of Rural Development, Housing and Planning Commission, it is requested that this simple work of payment to Senior Citizens may be assigned to the one concerned Ministry by fixing definition of Poverty Line (Maharashtra has fixed Rs.21000 p.a. for their Schemes) and not insisting on the unwarranted condition of belonging to BPL Family. Kindly get the financial income limit etc fixed to avoid corruption at various levels and procedure laid down for easy and early payment of this megre Pension to all eligible Senior Citizens.
Dr. Man Mohan Singhji,
Hon. Prime Minister of India,
South Block, New Delhi-101101.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Payment of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS) launched on 19-11-07.
You were kind enough to launch the above scheme for benefit of all Senior Citizens of 65 years and above living below poverty line as a Social Security Scheme and Support System. The Ministry of Rural Development issued instructions to States to grant this megre Pension to those citizens, who are 65 and above and belong to a household below the poverty line, which is decided as per their guidelines for BPL Census, 2002. In these guidelines, 13 socio-economic parameters were prescribed to identify relative position of each family in rural area by giving variable scores from village to village depending upon local conditions for targeting people under Ministry`s Rural BPL Programmes. No such guidelines are issued by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation for classifying an urban citizen as BPL. 13 socio-economic parameters may be useful to Ministry Of Rural Development for launching a particular scheme in a particular village or for a particular family but in no way can help in deciding the eligibility to pay megre monthly Pension to Senior Citizens of 65 & above having megre income or staying hand to mouth in their last spell of life. How far such house to house survey applying 13 complicated parameters having 4 different scoring can be useful to decide eligibility for monthly Pension to Senior Citizens? There is no necessity of targeting Senior Citizens neither for paying IGNOAPS nor to fix their interse eligibility. More over, such guidelines go on changing for every Five Year Plan Period. We may give one example to consider the impracticality of such guidelines. In the very well developed suburb of Mira Road of Mumbai, there are more than 4 lakhs of citizens having more than 80 thousand Senior Citizens, out of which 50 thousand are above 65 and more than 20 thousand are living below poverty line and pass their last spell of life hand to mouth. The number of all BPL Families, including citizens above 65 for this Area are only 17-seventeen, as advised by Municipal Corporation vide their letter no. ja.kra.manapa/sujayo/7/2009-10
dt 14-8-09. It would be clear from this that eligible Senior Citizens are not classified as belonging to BPL Families and not paid megre Pension due to complicated procedures causing corruption at various levels. Considering the poverty lines of each State, a financial income limit per month or per annum should be fixed for paying this megre Pension to Senior Citizens irrespective of their family income, as Senior Citizens staying in joint families and having no income or megre income are not properly looked after by children and not paid any pocket money etc. State of Maharashtra has fixed Rs. 21000 p.a. for their Schemes.
You will be surprised to know that there is no definition of Below Poverty Individual or Family either with Ministry of Rural Development or Planning Commission. The Planning Commission estimates the number and percentage of poor at National & State levels on the basis of rough and large sample survey data on house hold consumer expenditure at All-India figure of Rs 356.30 in Rural and Rs 538.60 in Urban Areas
(Press Information Bureau Estimates notified on 21-3-07).Such rough estimation can be used for providing Budget etc but not for deciding eligibility for payment of megre Pension to Senior Citizens of 65 and above.
In view of the above position and there being 3 Ministries of Rural Development, Housing and Planning Commission, it is requested that this simple work of payment to Senior Citizens may be assigned to the one concerned Ministry by fixing definition of Poverty Line (Maharashtra has fixed Rs.21000 p.a. for their Schemes) and not insisting on the unwarranted condition of belonging to BPL Family. Kindly get the financial income limit etc fixed to avoid corruption at various levels and procedure laid down for easy and early payment of this megre Pension to all eligible Senior Citizens.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Why are We as We are?
Why are we, as we are? M.V.Ruparelia.
This World is full of varieties, not only of living beings, trees, flowers, flora etc but also of all aspects including thoughts, principles, laws etc. Just think why you are as you are! Some will say, we are borne as per our deeds in previous births and are governed by planetary position at the time of our birth. Each planet in our horoscope play its role in our life from time to time. We are helpless and controlled by our destiny and so on! Some will say we are borne and brought up in different atmosphere and circumstances and governed by childhood experiences and habits. Children of the same parents brought up in the same place and family are not the same due to different genes at the time of conception and different experiences in the same place and family during their childhood and growing periods. Due to varying beliefs in respect of origin and continuance of life, all-acceptable analysis as to why we are as we are is difficult.
Let us see according to some scientific concepts as to why we are as we are. It is observed that people in different countries, different societies, different groups, different races are different. This indicates that social atmosphere, social customs etc make a difference. Even in same country or society, people are found different. This indicates that barring some conditioning of the atmosphere, customs etc of that country/society, each individual, having been borne and brought up in different atmosphere, surroundings of family, friends and others is unique! No two individuals, even borne to same parents and even two or more borne together are equal in all respects. Each individual has his own experiences different from others. His complete personality is based on his childhood and subsequent experiences. These experiences are influenced to certain extent by social conditionings and beliefs of that country/society. Some such beliefs in some societies are like: Some believe that passing of cat before them is a bad omen and one should not proceed further! Women should do this and not that! Innumerable beliefs exist in different communities and countries! In many societies, hypocrisy is practiced at all levels! Parents, teachers, adults speak one thing and do another, expecting children to do what they tell them and not what they do! Such beliefs and behavior are passed on from generation to generation and imbibed from childhood. Most of us get conditioned to such beliefs and behaviors and unconsciously react according to such conditionings in our every day behavior with others. Even in same family and society, there are different beliefs/opinions at different times! Nothing holds more power over our body and mind than such conditionings/experiences of the past. Life is nothing but a series of experiences.
According to Dr Deepak Chopra, beliefs, thoughts, emotions create the chemical reactions that uphold life in every cell of our body. All cells contain unique forms of intelligence. There are trillions of cells in our body. Cells of different parts of body get destroyed and recreated as per their different life spans from time to time. In a year, 98% of our cells get exchanged for new ones. Our perception is based on intelligence of these trillions of cells. Due to the existence of these trillions of cells having different intelligence based on their experience from time to time, every one perceives the same things/matters differently and same person perceives same thing/matter differently at different time!! Thus, each one of us is Unique in the entire World!
When all are different and react helplessly, there is lot of misunderstanding amongst all for each other and this creates conflicts and unhappiness! Each one feels he is right, one up and others are wrong! All of us have to understand and accept as to why we are as we are and respect the uniqueness of all which is due to different upbringing and experiences (and different planetary position!) to avoid conflicts and unhappiness all-around. If others may or may not accept this but if you accept this, it shall bring you peace and happiness!
This World is full of varieties, not only of living beings, trees, flowers, flora etc but also of all aspects including thoughts, principles, laws etc. Just think why you are as you are! Some will say, we are borne as per our deeds in previous births and are governed by planetary position at the time of our birth. Each planet in our horoscope play its role in our life from time to time. We are helpless and controlled by our destiny and so on! Some will say we are borne and brought up in different atmosphere and circumstances and governed by childhood experiences and habits. Children of the same parents brought up in the same place and family are not the same due to different genes at the time of conception and different experiences in the same place and family during their childhood and growing periods. Due to varying beliefs in respect of origin and continuance of life, all-acceptable analysis as to why we are as we are is difficult.
Let us see according to some scientific concepts as to why we are as we are. It is observed that people in different countries, different societies, different groups, different races are different. This indicates that social atmosphere, social customs etc make a difference. Even in same country or society, people are found different. This indicates that barring some conditioning of the atmosphere, customs etc of that country/society, each individual, having been borne and brought up in different atmosphere, surroundings of family, friends and others is unique! No two individuals, even borne to same parents and even two or more borne together are equal in all respects. Each individual has his own experiences different from others. His complete personality is based on his childhood and subsequent experiences. These experiences are influenced to certain extent by social conditionings and beliefs of that country/society. Some such beliefs in some societies are like: Some believe that passing of cat before them is a bad omen and one should not proceed further! Women should do this and not that! Innumerable beliefs exist in different communities and countries! In many societies, hypocrisy is practiced at all levels! Parents, teachers, adults speak one thing and do another, expecting children to do what they tell them and not what they do! Such beliefs and behavior are passed on from generation to generation and imbibed from childhood. Most of us get conditioned to such beliefs and behaviors and unconsciously react according to such conditionings in our every day behavior with others. Even in same family and society, there are different beliefs/opinions at different times! Nothing holds more power over our body and mind than such conditionings/experiences of the past. Life is nothing but a series of experiences.
According to Dr Deepak Chopra, beliefs, thoughts, emotions create the chemical reactions that uphold life in every cell of our body. All cells contain unique forms of intelligence. There are trillions of cells in our body. Cells of different parts of body get destroyed and recreated as per their different life spans from time to time. In a year, 98% of our cells get exchanged for new ones. Our perception is based on intelligence of these trillions of cells. Due to the existence of these trillions of cells having different intelligence based on their experience from time to time, every one perceives the same things/matters differently and same person perceives same thing/matter differently at different time!! Thus, each one of us is Unique in the entire World!
When all are different and react helplessly, there is lot of misunderstanding amongst all for each other and this creates conflicts and unhappiness! Each one feels he is right, one up and others are wrong! All of us have to understand and accept as to why we are as we are and respect the uniqueness of all which is due to different upbringing and experiences (and different planetary position!) to avoid conflicts and unhappiness all-around. If others may or may not accept this but if you accept this, it shall bring you peace and happiness!
Loneliness and Senior Citizens.
Loneliness: M.V.Ruparelia.
Loneliness:
``We act as though comfort and luxury were chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.``
Charles Kingsley.
Due to advent of Western philosophy, nuclear family system, retirement, death of spouse, going away of children due to service, social conditioning & customs, financial restraints, health condition & lack of proper affordable medical facilities, many Senior Citizens in rural & urban areas face loneliness and abuse. Many educated & well-off Senior Citizens also face loneliness due to inertia, `empty nest syndrome`, pre-conceived perception & closed outlook etc! A person retires from service or reaches a certain age and he feels that he has done a lot and now deserves rest! He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health, psychosomatic diseases & connected problems! He develops inertia; he does not participate in any functions, does not go to any Associations, and does not want to learn anything new! He feels, he need not waste his energy, which requires to be preserved at this age! He forgets that we have unlimited energy and even in active life, we have used a very small % of energy. In old age also, we have unlimited energy and the Principle is ``USE IT OR LOOSE IT.`` Such self isolation increases depression, timidity, anxiety, longing for death, confusion, self-neglect, vague health problems, mounting resentment, unusual fatigue, withholding of food or medicines, hostility, unresponsiveness etc.This is Self Abuse also! A new study reveals that loneliness & isolation doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. To counter such risks, Senior Citizens should participate in social activities, increase the number of their close friends in whom they can confine their feelings, fears, thoughts in their own interest and should have a Support Group.
Earlier, in joint family system, elders were accommodated, looked after and there were less cases of isolation & loneliness. Due to individualism, human rights, women lib etc, this joint family system has weakened to a considerable extant. No efforts are made by Govt/ Media to strengthen the Joint Family System, as envisaged in NPOP,99. The recent passing of ``Parents Welfare & Maintenance Act``lays down the emphasis on responsibility of children for looking after their parents. Though, many parents may not go to Tribunals against their children due to our culture, the mere existence of this Act and provision of suo-motto action shall deter the children from driving away their parents from home and instead of paying Monthly Allowance; many may like to keep parents with them, as that may be cheaper for middle and lower income group. The Act shall reinforce the importance & role of the family to some extant, which has shattered in recent times due to adverse influence of Western Culture.
Government can take the following practical & effective steps to reduce the loneliness related problems of Senior Citizens:-
i) Get created literature and force Media by legislating, if necessary to encourage Joint Family System and encourage individuals to participate in social activities etc to reduce loneliness to some extent; give tax concession & other incentives to those keeping & looking after their parents & other senior relatives.
ii) Establish well equipped Day Care Activity Centres in villages as well as cities-one for about 10 thousand Senior Citizens, manned by properly trained welfare personnel. If possible, capable Senior Citizens should be trained and appointed on honorarium basis for such work, which shall be cheaper to the Govt and beneficial to Senior Citizens. Provide Holiday Homes, Convalescent Homes, Nana-Nani Parks etc.
iii) Establish a separate Department/ Ministry at Central & State level for planning the action for looking after various requirements of Senior Citizens and this Department should be manned by Senior Citizens on honorarium basis. This will create second career opportunities and utilization of Think-tank appropriately. This Department may be allotted the following duties:-
a) Ensure implementation of all Policies, Acts etc of Govts for Senior Citizens.
b) Administer all Day Care Activity Centres and ensure all types of help to Senior Citizens.
c) Obtain & maintain full details of all Senior Citizens through DCACentres and make them responsible for welfare of all Senior Citizens in their areas.
iv) Raise the pension for BPL as per GDP and raise the present limit of Rs 18000 to annual GDP level, as that amount is due to each citizen! Notify income limit of Middle Class also and give them free or concessional facilities in various matters.
v) Make compulsory to appoint Senior Citizens on various Consultative Committees, if possible on honorarium basis or as a social service to keep them engaged and give benefit to the Society of their reach experience.
vi) Raise the age of retirement, keeping in view long healthy life span. With the overall development of economy and expansion of employment opportunities and keeping the fact that population of Senior Citizens is increasing at higher rate than new born, a legislation can be brought to engage Senior Citizens for certain jobs or a certain % can be fixed for engagement of Senior Citizens in Government, Public & Private Sectors, may be on honorarium basis with relaxed hours. Senior Citizens are also entitled to `Right to Work` as laid down in our Constitution.
vii) Make it mandatory for Public Sector, Corporate & other major Employers to provide Welfare Centres- Activity Centres for their retired employees to pass time; call the retired employees for all their official functions/celebrations and have a special function at least once on 1st October every year on Elders` Day. Provide facilities for picnics, some holiday homes etc.
viii) Encourage or make compulsory for all schools/colleges to encourage students to respect and help Senior Citizens, as & when & where possible and arrange some programmes to mix with Senior Citizens. This shall go a long way to integrate two generations. All Schools/Colleges should be requested to give one room to registered Associations of Senior Citizens, if requested every day in the evenings for their activities, gathering etc. Their Halls should also be given occasionally for lectures, functions etc.
It may be noted here that by solving or reducing the problems of Loneliness, the cases of Elder Abuse can not be reduced/curbed, except curbing/reducing the Self Abuse and murder cases to some extent.
Planning of Older Years to deal with emotional issues:-
Proper training for planning the retirement should be given to each citizen at appropriate age. Once a person retires or decides to retire from earning life, he should be able to live life happily and pass time usefully with his hobbies, engaging in social service, having a good Support Group, participating in activities of Senior Citizens Associations, developing the spirit of `let go`; endurance/tolerance, Forget & Forgive; giving up ego of status of earning life and assuming the new Status of Senior Citizen.
Loneliness:
``We act as though comfort and luxury were chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.``
Charles Kingsley.
Due to advent of Western philosophy, nuclear family system, retirement, death of spouse, going away of children due to service, social conditioning & customs, financial restraints, health condition & lack of proper affordable medical facilities, many Senior Citizens in rural & urban areas face loneliness and abuse. Many educated & well-off Senior Citizens also face loneliness due to inertia, `empty nest syndrome`, pre-conceived perception & closed outlook etc! A person retires from service or reaches a certain age and he feels that he has done a lot and now deserves rest! He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health, psychosomatic diseases & connected problems! He develops inertia; he does not participate in any functions, does not go to any Associations, and does not want to learn anything new! He feels, he need not waste his energy, which requires to be preserved at this age! He forgets that we have unlimited energy and even in active life, we have used a very small % of energy. In old age also, we have unlimited energy and the Principle is ``USE IT OR LOOSE IT.`` Such self isolation increases depression, timidity, anxiety, longing for death, confusion, self-neglect, vague health problems, mounting resentment, unusual fatigue, withholding of food or medicines, hostility, unresponsiveness etc.This is Self Abuse also! A new study reveals that loneliness & isolation doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. To counter such risks, Senior Citizens should participate in social activities, increase the number of their close friends in whom they can confine their feelings, fears, thoughts in their own interest and should have a Support Group.
Earlier, in joint family system, elders were accommodated, looked after and there were less cases of isolation & loneliness. Due to individualism, human rights, women lib etc, this joint family system has weakened to a considerable extant. No efforts are made by Govt/ Media to strengthen the Joint Family System, as envisaged in NPOP,99. The recent passing of ``Parents Welfare & Maintenance Act``lays down the emphasis on responsibility of children for looking after their parents. Though, many parents may not go to Tribunals against their children due to our culture, the mere existence of this Act and provision of suo-motto action shall deter the children from driving away their parents from home and instead of paying Monthly Allowance; many may like to keep parents with them, as that may be cheaper for middle and lower income group. The Act shall reinforce the importance & role of the family to some extant, which has shattered in recent times due to adverse influence of Western Culture.
Government can take the following practical & effective steps to reduce the loneliness related problems of Senior Citizens:-
i) Get created literature and force Media by legislating, if necessary to encourage Joint Family System and encourage individuals to participate in social activities etc to reduce loneliness to some extent; give tax concession & other incentives to those keeping & looking after their parents & other senior relatives.
ii) Establish well equipped Day Care Activity Centres in villages as well as cities-one for about 10 thousand Senior Citizens, manned by properly trained welfare personnel. If possible, capable Senior Citizens should be trained and appointed on honorarium basis for such work, which shall be cheaper to the Govt and beneficial to Senior Citizens. Provide Holiday Homes, Convalescent Homes, Nana-Nani Parks etc.
iii) Establish a separate Department/ Ministry at Central & State level for planning the action for looking after various requirements of Senior Citizens and this Department should be manned by Senior Citizens on honorarium basis. This will create second career opportunities and utilization of Think-tank appropriately. This Department may be allotted the following duties:-
a) Ensure implementation of all Policies, Acts etc of Govts for Senior Citizens.
b) Administer all Day Care Activity Centres and ensure all types of help to Senior Citizens.
c) Obtain & maintain full details of all Senior Citizens through DCACentres and make them responsible for welfare of all Senior Citizens in their areas.
iv) Raise the pension for BPL as per GDP and raise the present limit of Rs 18000 to annual GDP level, as that amount is due to each citizen! Notify income limit of Middle Class also and give them free or concessional facilities in various matters.
v) Make compulsory to appoint Senior Citizens on various Consultative Committees, if possible on honorarium basis or as a social service to keep them engaged and give benefit to the Society of their reach experience.
vi) Raise the age of retirement, keeping in view long healthy life span. With the overall development of economy and expansion of employment opportunities and keeping the fact that population of Senior Citizens is increasing at higher rate than new born, a legislation can be brought to engage Senior Citizens for certain jobs or a certain % can be fixed for engagement of Senior Citizens in Government, Public & Private Sectors, may be on honorarium basis with relaxed hours. Senior Citizens are also entitled to `Right to Work` as laid down in our Constitution.
vii) Make it mandatory for Public Sector, Corporate & other major Employers to provide Welfare Centres- Activity Centres for their retired employees to pass time; call the retired employees for all their official functions/celebrations and have a special function at least once on 1st October every year on Elders` Day. Provide facilities for picnics, some holiday homes etc.
viii) Encourage or make compulsory for all schools/colleges to encourage students to respect and help Senior Citizens, as & when & where possible and arrange some programmes to mix with Senior Citizens. This shall go a long way to integrate two generations. All Schools/Colleges should be requested to give one room to registered Associations of Senior Citizens, if requested every day in the evenings for their activities, gathering etc. Their Halls should also be given occasionally for lectures, functions etc.
It may be noted here that by solving or reducing the problems of Loneliness, the cases of Elder Abuse can not be reduced/curbed, except curbing/reducing the Self Abuse and murder cases to some extent.
Planning of Older Years to deal with emotional issues:-
Proper training for planning the retirement should be given to each citizen at appropriate age. Once a person retires or decides to retire from earning life, he should be able to live life happily and pass time usefully with his hobbies, engaging in social service, having a good Support Group, participating in activities of Senior Citizens Associations, developing the spirit of `let go`; endurance/tolerance, Forget & Forgive; giving up ego of status of earning life and assuming the new Status of Senior Citizen.
Let Us Reciprocate.
Let Us Reciprocate. M.V.Ruparelia.
In our First Innings, many of us were having a designation like General Manager, Engineer, Office Superintendent, Professional etc with some what defined duties and working time schedule like 9 to 5 etc and were habituated to live life like that! After retirement, some are in dilemma as to what to do without anything to do! One of the ways to come out of such dilemma is to accept our New and Universally acceptable & respectable designation of Senior Citizen given to us by the Society, Government & United Nations Organization. You are not an `Old Man`, `a Buddha` etc but you are respectable Senior Citizen and this position is accepted universally and you get respect & facilities throughout the World!
In our Second Innings of living as Senior Citizen, we are given respect, facilities, concessions etc as remuneration with an expectation that we shall serve our colleagues and other citizens by following our routine of First Innings of doing our job/duty regularly by fixing our own time schedule, may be of 1 hour, 2 hours or more, as we decide. No compulsion but you must follow your own schedule regularly for your self decided work for the benefit of your family, colleagues and society. If you do not do anything, how can you expect Government, your Federation or Association of Senior Citizens or any body else to do anything for you?
In first innings, you have taken lot of advantage of your family, being head of the family. You have taken lot of services from your spouse also. It is now your turn to reciprocate and help each member of the family in the way, you can, instead of still ordering and behaving differently & indifferently.
Society has also given you a lot. Now, you are free and having lot of time. Look around during your walks and observe. There are pot holes on the roads, roads are dug up & not restored yet, roads are dirty & not sweeped, dirty water is overflowing somewhere, some street lights are not burning in night or all are burning during broad day light, water supply is irregular etc. You can take up such & similar issues with authorities concerned for getting relief to citizens. You can teach to illiterate or to students of your pet subjects. You can give voluntary service in special drives like polio drops etc. Get engaged in some social NGOs working in your area forgetting the general preconceived idea/block that all NGOs are like this or that!! Improve their working by your sincere & straightforward working!
Our Associations of Senior Citizens have also done a lot for us & still doing. Let us join them in large number & strengthen them. To-day, out of almost 9 crores Senior Citizens in our Country, less than 2% are members of such Organizations/Associations of Senior Citizens. Out of such limited members also, hardly 10% take some part in activities of these Organizations-majority remain sleeping members! Let each educated (literate) Senior Citizen become member of such Organization. Let each existing member make at least one new member, if not every day, at least every week! Let us make our unfortunate illiterate Senior Citizens also members and make them literate also. Although, we are 9% of the population, if we see figures of voters, it will be observed that Senior Citizens form higher % of voters and on those basis, we are 15% of voters’ strength. With this strength, our organizations can get us lot of benefits, as in USA by AARP. Let us take one example of our participating! With more than 3 lakhs members affiliated to All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON), only 1500 subscribe to their Monthly Magazine, which is only costing Rs 100 p.a. Similar figures for other Magazines by other Organizations shall also indicate that we are not reciprocating to our Organizations, as we should. Let us also help our less fortunate colleagues in the ways, we can. If some one is sick or alone, go to him, talk to him, take him for a walk, to doctor, get him from bazaar, if he needs something etc.
Government has also given us, whatever it could give and still giving- not only concessions & facilities etc but also respect in the society and improving the quality of life in old age. It is our duty to cooperate & create cooperative attitude amongst citizens for various policies of the Government in power, forgetting our affiliation to any political party. In a democratic set up, it is necessary for matured citizens to respect the policies of the Government of majority. Protests, if any, have to be in peaceful manners & in democratic way and we should not form the habit of criticizing every action & every policy and indulge in protests for sake of protests. It is true that Government is not doing any special favour to us and it is their duty to look after our welfare, as done all over the World, but the spirit of giving back in return is a healthy and morally desirable practice.
Let us not take anything free from any one but give back, whatever; we can in kind by way of service! Let us reciprocate for ever thing to the extant possible.
In our First Innings, many of us were having a designation like General Manager, Engineer, Office Superintendent, Professional etc with some what defined duties and working time schedule like 9 to 5 etc and were habituated to live life like that! After retirement, some are in dilemma as to what to do without anything to do! One of the ways to come out of such dilemma is to accept our New and Universally acceptable & respectable designation of Senior Citizen given to us by the Society, Government & United Nations Organization. You are not an `Old Man`, `a Buddha` etc but you are respectable Senior Citizen and this position is accepted universally and you get respect & facilities throughout the World!
In our Second Innings of living as Senior Citizen, we are given respect, facilities, concessions etc as remuneration with an expectation that we shall serve our colleagues and other citizens by following our routine of First Innings of doing our job/duty regularly by fixing our own time schedule, may be of 1 hour, 2 hours or more, as we decide. No compulsion but you must follow your own schedule regularly for your self decided work for the benefit of your family, colleagues and society. If you do not do anything, how can you expect Government, your Federation or Association of Senior Citizens or any body else to do anything for you?
In first innings, you have taken lot of advantage of your family, being head of the family. You have taken lot of services from your spouse also. It is now your turn to reciprocate and help each member of the family in the way, you can, instead of still ordering and behaving differently & indifferently.
Society has also given you a lot. Now, you are free and having lot of time. Look around during your walks and observe. There are pot holes on the roads, roads are dug up & not restored yet, roads are dirty & not sweeped, dirty water is overflowing somewhere, some street lights are not burning in night or all are burning during broad day light, water supply is irregular etc. You can take up such & similar issues with authorities concerned for getting relief to citizens. You can teach to illiterate or to students of your pet subjects. You can give voluntary service in special drives like polio drops etc. Get engaged in some social NGOs working in your area forgetting the general preconceived idea/block that all NGOs are like this or that!! Improve their working by your sincere & straightforward working!
Our Associations of Senior Citizens have also done a lot for us & still doing. Let us join them in large number & strengthen them. To-day, out of almost 9 crores Senior Citizens in our Country, less than 2% are members of such Organizations/Associations of Senior Citizens. Out of such limited members also, hardly 10% take some part in activities of these Organizations-majority remain sleeping members! Let each educated (literate) Senior Citizen become member of such Organization. Let each existing member make at least one new member, if not every day, at least every week! Let us make our unfortunate illiterate Senior Citizens also members and make them literate also. Although, we are 9% of the population, if we see figures of voters, it will be observed that Senior Citizens form higher % of voters and on those basis, we are 15% of voters’ strength. With this strength, our organizations can get us lot of benefits, as in USA by AARP. Let us take one example of our participating! With more than 3 lakhs members affiliated to All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON), only 1500 subscribe to their Monthly Magazine, which is only costing Rs 100 p.a. Similar figures for other Magazines by other Organizations shall also indicate that we are not reciprocating to our Organizations, as we should. Let us also help our less fortunate colleagues in the ways, we can. If some one is sick or alone, go to him, talk to him, take him for a walk, to doctor, get him from bazaar, if he needs something etc.
Government has also given us, whatever it could give and still giving- not only concessions & facilities etc but also respect in the society and improving the quality of life in old age. It is our duty to cooperate & create cooperative attitude amongst citizens for various policies of the Government in power, forgetting our affiliation to any political party. In a democratic set up, it is necessary for matured citizens to respect the policies of the Government of majority. Protests, if any, have to be in peaceful manners & in democratic way and we should not form the habit of criticizing every action & every policy and indulge in protests for sake of protests. It is true that Government is not doing any special favour to us and it is their duty to look after our welfare, as done all over the World, but the spirit of giving back in return is a healthy and morally desirable practice.
Let us not take anything free from any one but give back, whatever; we can in kind by way of service! Let us reciprocate for ever thing to the extant possible.
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