Ensuring special attention to 12 crore ELDERS of the Country- the section of society that is at risk of not benefitting adequately from economic progress of the Country.

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

A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East), Dist. Thane.401 107.

 M. 09821732855.  E/Mail: mrmvruparelia@gmail.com

To                                              Date: 14-6-15.

Shri ARVIND PANAGARIYA, Vice Chairman,

NITI Ayog, Government of India, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Ensuring special attention to 12 crore ELDERS of the Country- the section of society that is at risk of not benefitting adequately from economic progress of the Country.

1.       We, 12 crore ELDERS of the Country are thankful to our Prime Minister to give the Country a "think-tank" that will provide Governments at the central and state levels with relevant strategic and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of policy to put an end to slow and tardy implementation of policy, by fostering better Inter-Ministry coordination and better Centre-State coordination, which is the major block to-day to implementation of declared Policies. We are eagerly awaiting that the NITI Aayog will effectively and swiftly monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes and policies of the Government for Senior Citizens of the Country, eliminating poverty and giving chance to every Senior Citizen to live a life of dignity and self-respect by reddressal of inequalities based on gender bias, caste and economic disparities.

2.       Government of India with approval of Cabinet had issued National Policy, 99 for welfare of Senior Citizens giving Mandate & Policy Statement to all Public & Private Stake Holders 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 (Paras 12 to 29). Many of the provisions of this Policy are not yet implemented even after 17 years and revised Policy given by duly appointed Committee on 30-3-11 are not yet finalized even after 4 full years, meanwhile taking no action to implement either Policy, 99 nor as per recommended new policy! There are 4 Policies notified by Government for welfare of Senior Citizens viz - i) National Policy for Older Persons, 99; ii) Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007, iii) Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP, 2008, now revised) and iv) National Programme for Health Care of Elders (NPHCE, 2010). Though, as per Allocation of Business Rules (AOB), Ministry of Social Justice is a nodal Ministry for Senior Citizens, 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. All Ministries at Center as well as State/UT level are required to be advised suitably, tightened up and made to take effective steps to implement their portions of declared Policies and improve the quality of life of Elders.

It would be observed from Progress Report of working of one year of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment that there is no mention of anything about senior citizens. It is high time that NITI Ayog goes deep in this pitiable position prevailing in this Ministry and give them relevant strategic and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of 4 policies to put an end to slow and tardy implementation by fostering better Inter-Ministry coordination and better Centre-State coordination. NITI AYOG may evaluate the implementation of programmes by this Ministry and focus on technology upgradation and capacity building of this Ministry. I enclose my 4 letters to Prime Minister for information and getting machinery in this Ministry right.
Reply to this letter may kindly be given in terms of para 96 of Office Manual.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Enclosures-Letters to PM dt 14-4-15, 17-5-14, 27-5-14 and 24-7-14 (Available in Blog)