Suggestions to Mayor of Mumbai for Policy of Municipal Corporation for Senior Citizens.

Public Interst Representation:

M.V. Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East)

 Dist. Thane. 401107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                                                           5-10-12.

Shri Sunil Prabhu, Mayor of Mumbai,

Mayor`s Bungalow, Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar,

Mumbai-400028.

Sub: Declaration of Policy for Senior Citizens and inviting suggestions thereon.

We are very much thankful to Our First Citizen for declaring the proposed Policy for 12 lakh Senior Citizens of Mumbai and inviting suggestions thereon in the Programme at Prabodhan Thakre Hall on Auspicious International Day of Older Persons on 1-10-12.

It is observed from the declaration that it is proposed to provide one 500 sq foot place in each ward for Day Care Centre with various facilities and provision of funds will be made in 2013-14. For this, we would like to bring to your notice that Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Delhi gives non-recurring grant to Municipalities for initial expenditure of furniture, TV, indoor games etc to the tune of Rs 32000 and annual grant of Rs 3,74,000 for recurring expenditure on staff, health care, recreation etc for providing Multi Service Day Care Centre for 50 senior citizens and these grants can be increased on the basis of total number of senior citizens served by such centres. The whole scheme with procedure to be followed is available in their Web Site. They provide such grants for Physiotherapy Centres and many other facilities being provided by Municipalities. Instead of waiting for 2013-14 budget provisions, BMC can start such Centres immediately. Funds allotted to Maharashtra for last several years are lapsing every year.

It is observed that it is proposed to give 50% concession to BPL senior citizens for operations. As per GR no.sankirna2006/pra.ka.118/2006/navi-20 dt 12-12-06 of State Government and circular no. saha aa  vai.shi. va. Aa/791 dt 10-5-2007 of BMC, completely free treatment including all operations is to be given to all senior citizens. All State & Municipal Hospitals, except three Deans of Nair, KEM & Sion Hospitals in Mumbai have given us in writing that they are giving free treatment to all senior citizens. This may be looked in to and proposed declaration be amended.

We send a copy of Note indicating what some of the other Municipalities are doing and what all Municipalities should do for their senior citizens.

With Blessings & Best Wishes,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)