Implementation of Various Policies of Government of India by Rail Ministry on Welfare of Senior Citizens and Retired Railway Employees.

M.V.Ruparelia, Chief Patron, All India Confederation of Senior Citizens (AISCCON).

A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East)

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

                 

To                                                                                                Date: 27-12-13 .

Chairman, Railway Board, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi- 110001.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Implementation of Various Policies of Government of India by Rail Ministry on Welfare of Senior Citizens and Retired Railway Employees.

Ref: Our representation dt 23-9-12 to the then Chairman and MORLY/E/2012/05979 DT 23-9-12 FOLLOWED BY REMINDERS.

1.     Now, as per para 3.3.1 of Ministry of Personnel`s memorandum no. 1/6/2011-IR dt 15-4-13, each Ministry and each Public Authority have to disclose suo motu under Sec 4 of RTI Act, 2005 in their Web Site all schemes and development programmes with Action Plans etc, which they are required to implement directly or through others as per Allocation of Business Rules (AOB) within 6 months of the issue of these directives. More than 8 months have passed after 15-4-13 but this has not been done by your Ministry for items pertaining to Welfare of Elders of the Country. According to Allocation of Business Rules of Government of India, though Ministry of Social Justice is allotted the work of welfare of senior citizens as a Nodal Ministry, overall management and monitoring etc. of the sectoral programmes in respect of Senior Citizens is the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries, State Governments and Union territory Administrations.

2.     Para 93 of National Policy, 99 notified with approval of Cabinet also directs each Ministry to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets. It has been provided in its Mandate and Policy Statement & other paras to take effective steps to improve the quality of life of all Elders, strengthen their legitimate place in society and help them to live their last spell of life with purpose, dignity and peace.This Mandate & Policy are for all Ministries and all Public Authorities.

3.    Para 3.3.1 further lays down that all Government Offices have to follow laid down OFFICE Manual, which gives details of how representations etc from Citizens must be dealt with. Right to reply is also included in Citizens Charter. Para 3.4.3 (f) lays down the disclosure of individuals responsible for providing this reply.

4.    Ministry of Railways is the apex authority of Government of India at the national level to formulate  policies, sponsor and support programme, coordinate the activities of various Central Ministries, Zonal Railways and other nodal authorities and monitor the programmes concerning all the issues pertaining to your Ministry brought out in Policy, 99 etc. Ministry of Social Justice with 5 officers-1 Joint Secretary, 1 Dy Sec,1 U.S and 2 Section Officer only for welfare of 12 crore Elders cannot  do work of your Ministry in this respect and go on chasing your Ministry and  your subordinate offices for provisions pertaining to them. As per AOB, it is clearly for your Ministry to issue necessary directives to your Officers, Staff and all Subordinate Offices including Zonal Railways also and get all provisions pertaining to your Ministry of National Policy, 99; Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP) under para 47 of NPOP, 99; Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and National Programme of Health Care of Elders by Health Ministry to the extent pertaining to your Ministry and all subordinate offices by preparing Five Year & Annual Action Plan with targets.

We shall be thankful, if early action is taken to implement various provisions for welfare of senior citizens pertaining to your Ministry and a line in reply to this representation in terms of para 66 & 67 of Office Manual is given.

Thanking you,

                       

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)