Welfare of 12 crore Elders of the Country forming considerable portion of Electorate.

To                                              Date: 13-7-13.

Shri Manish Tewariji, Hon Minister of State,

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,

Government of India, A Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Dr Rajendra Pd Road, 

New Delhi 110015.

Respected Sir,

Sub: Welfare of 12 crore Elders of the Country forming considerable portion of Electorate.

Ref: Our reference dt 2-8-12 to your predecessor on which appropriate action is not taken even after almost one year.

We, 12 crore Elders of our Country welcome the young, energetic, active and practical politician as our Minister for very important Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

1.      Our ancient Culture respects Parents as Gods and Our Country is known for this throughout the World. There has been deterioration in this thinking and our social customs in recent times. In addition to lot of Abuse of Elders, as reported by Help Age on 15-6-13, there are large numbers of cases of abandonments of helpless and ailing Elders etc. Immediate action is required to be taken by your powerful leadership to create and restore respect for Elders. This can be done only by your Ministry under your active & energetic guidance and directives. As you may be aware Government of India had announced National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 on 13-2-99 with the approval of Cabinet. Para 93 of the Policy directs each Ministry to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets. Para 12 to 23 of the Policy lays down Mandate & Policy Statement, which require to be given wide publicity by your Ministry to create respect for Elders in the Society & creating Awareness in concerned Government Departments to take action sincerely & promptly on various provisions concerning them. Para 15 of Policy visualizes that State will strengthen the legitimate place of Elders in the Society and help them to live their last phase of life with Purpose, Dignity & Peace. Para 18 envisages that age 60+ is a phase, when individual should have chances and opportunities to lead an active, creative, productive and satisfying life. State has to strengthen inter generational bonds and mutually supporting relationships. State has to encourage capable Senior Citizens to provide service to other senior citizens in need of help. It is necessary that the Family Support System continues to be functional to discharge its caring responsibilities, sensitizing the young on necessity & desirability of inter generational bonding etc. Each provision in Policy is important and requires highlighting by your Ministry. Various provisions of Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 about looking after Elders by Children, providing safety by Police etc also need highlighting & propaganda by your Ministry.

2.      Para 70 lays down that issues pertaining to Elders will be highlighted every year on 1^st October. Your Doordarshan & All India Radio etc have been doing this but it has not been effective in bringing all issues to the notice of Society and Government Authorities. Most of the issues have remained, as they were. On World Elders Day on 1^st October every year, more programmes for longer time at pre declared times may help highlighting the changing situations of Elders and identifying emerging issues and areas of action by various stake holders. Now that 15^th June has been declared World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, more programmes on that day to ensure that Elder Abuse is avoided are also necessary. Moreover, Radio having become less popular, programmes on all channels of Doordarshan are necessary. Exhibition of your Ministry`s Documentaries on Elders by distributing them to private channels, NGOs and Senior Citizens Associations may bring better results. Cooperation of all Newspapers, private TV Channels and Bollywood etc is also absolutely necessary, as para 88 & 89 lays down creative use of entire Media for highlighting continuously the changing situations of Elders, active ageing, intergeneration bonds etc. Your Ministry has to lay down Policy/Law/Act for  entire Media/informal & traditional communication channels of the Country to highlight all issues and various provisions of Policy, every day/week, as you may decide by earmarking special slots on regular basis. Your Ministry may like to prepare orientation programmes on ageing for interaction of entire Media including your staff and achieve the awareness in Society and Government machinery. Ministry of Social Justice has been requesting your Ministry through Inter Ministry Committee (IMC) agenda and meetings to play a more active role in educating the Society about all issues relating to Senior Citizens, giving special slots, more awareness programmes, keeping the concerns of elders in constant Public Focus. Though some programmes are given on radio & Doordarshan, it has not brought the required result. Only one episode of Satyamev Jayate has brought lot of awareness. Pre advertised and pre fixed slots and participation of entire Media including Bollywood, Newspapers & all TV channels are to be tapped and encouraged/instructed by your Ministry.

3.     We request you to look in to this very important aspects of life of our elders by expeditious and sincere implementation of Policy for benefit of 12 crore Elders of our Country. We observe that Elders of the Country are repeatedly ignored by Central, State & Local Bodies. With your dynamic & pleasant personality & tact of handling all situations very efficiently, we are sure that you will do needful quickly, sincerely and set an example on all Ministries by becoming Torch Bearer for highlighting the position of Elders of the Country and restoring their legitimate place in Society.

4.     We request you to give us reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual for this request, indicating your plan of action.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Welfare of Senior Citizens of the Country in Health Matters- Implementation of National Policy of Older Persons, 99.

To                                                                                               Date:  19-12-12.

 Shri P.K.Pradhan,  Secretary (H & FW),

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,

Nirman Bhavan,  Room No. 156 A,  New Delhi-110 011.

Sub: Welfare of Senior Citizens of the Country in Health Matters- Implementation of National Policy of Older Persons, 99.

We are very much thankful to the Ministry of Health for giving us National Policy of  Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) and we are also happy to note that Health Ministry is very sincere in getting it implemented by States at an early date.

Though, Health is a State Subject, most of the States having not yet accepted National Policy, 99 even after 14 years, we need the help of Ministry of Health in certain matters. It is observed that in spite of your Ministry`s instructions to all Stake Holders (Para 39 of Policy) to ensure that elderly patients are not subjected to long waits and visits to different counters for medical tests & treatment, many Government, Municipal and Charitable Hospitals, Dispensaries, Laboratories, Consultants are not giving any preference to Elder patients and make Elders to wait for long time. Some have provided separate counter for Case Paper & receiving Medicines but not for examination by doctors (different Specialists) or pathological tests etc and elders have to wait in que for going to various doctors, X-ray rooms, ECG rooms, pathology department etc for various ailments and checks. We shall be thankful, if proper detailed instructions are issued covering all these requirements immediately and reiterated periodically, as one of the important components of NPHCE is information, communication and education of all concerned. Under Secretary, NPHCE vide his letter no. T.21020/38/2012-NCD(M) dt 1-8-12 and 16-10-12 has declined to issue such instructions on the plea that States have to issue such instructions. Instructions from Central Ministry for uniformal following  by all concerned are necessary and we request that proper instructions to all concerned are issued by Our Health Ministry.

Similarly, Health Ministry is requested to advise private hospitals, private practitioners and consultants also about necessity of looking after Elders on similar lines, though private parties may not be under Health Ministry. General directive to Private Parties for improving health care of elders from Health Ministry is very much necessary and desirable. As Health Ministry is doing lot to create awareness generation programmes etc, it is requested that awareness may be created for your 12 crore Elders amongst Private Health Agencies also.

 Improper treatment of Elders by Government/non-government agencies, Municipal and Private Sector is an ABUSE of ELDERS. There is absolute and urgent need of special instructions and training to doctors and all medical staff to treat Elders with respect and care, as present attitude at many places is ``you have already lived long and no useful purpose will be served by investigations and treatment.`` Some (considerable number)  doctors and staff misbehave also. In addition to instructions to all Stake Holders, there is necessity of Mass Media Programme to increase awareness of public as well as doctors, staff, care givers etc on various aspects of health problems of Elders. They deserve respect, care and sympathy. Early preparation of Charter for Senior Citizens for all their Health Care Needs is also necessary.

With number of Senior Citizens increasing and facing various ailments due to ageing and not being able to get proper medical aids due to less or no income at this age, it is necessary that Ministry of Health initiates fast measures to rationalize cost structure of medical requirements of elders including cost of medicines. The health ministry is also gearing up to make "Free medicine for all 
through Public Health Facilities" in all government health facilities a reality from next month.  As per recent reports, a study by the Cost Audit branch of the MCA found that drugs like Calpol manufactured by Glaxosmithkline, Corex Cough Syrup by Pfizer, Revital by Ranbaxy Global, Omez by Dr Reddy's Labs, Azithral by Alembic and several others were being sold at a mark up of up to 1,123% over the cost of production. Worried over the findings of the study, India's Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily has written to Health Minister seeking appropriate action on curbing this practice of pharma companies. He has forwarded a copy of the study also. As we consider Health Ministry as our Nodal Ministry for all our Health Needs, we request you to take some immediate steps to remove such abnormal costing of medicines. Such high profit earning is nothing but ABUSE of ELDERS. We would also request you to use your good offices with manufacturing & distributing agencies all over India to give sufficiently high concessions like 50% (as in fare by transport, air, railways etc) to all Senior Citizens, as they need every month lot of medicines for age related chronic ailments at this age, when their income is very less or no income, though pricing of medicines is not controlled by Health Ministry.  

 Rs 75 crore were provided in 11^th Plan for providing 30 bedded Departments of Geriatric in 8 identified Regional Medical Institutes and to provide dedicated health care facilities in District Hospitals etc in 100 districts of 21 States. Though this Programme is stated to have been initiated, nothing tangible appears to have been provided, though more than 2 years has passed. As 100 more districts are to be covered every year in 12 th Plan and one year of 12^th Plan is coming to end shortly, it is necessary that time bound programme is fixed for each stage and monitored by Directorate General of Health Services(Dte.GHS) having subordinate offices spread all over the country to ensure timely implementation of NPHCE. Similar monitoring of 12 Regional Geriatric Centres may also be given to DGHS.

We shall also be obliged, if proper detailed instructions are issued to Ministries of Railways, Defence etc having separate full-fledged Medical Departments for adopting various measures of NPHCE for their retired employees, so that they also start working on this marvelous scheme of NPHCE. 

We shall be thankful, if immediate action on these abuses is taken and action taken with copies of instructions issued for separate ques at every stage of taking treatment advised at an early date. A line in reply to this representation in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Instructions issued by Ministry of Panchayati Raj to States/UTs.

Regulating the functioning of Corporate Sector for Welfare of your large number of Elders.

To                                                                         Date: 4-6-13.

Shri Sachin Pilot, Hon. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs,

Room No. 437, C wing, 4^th Floor, Shastri Bhawan, Rajendra  Prasad Road, New Delhi-110001.

Respected Young Minister,

Sub:  Regulating the functioning of Corporate Sector for Welfare of your large number of Elders.

Ref; Our earlier Representation dt 28-7-11 to your predecessor Dr. M. Veerappa Moily sent by Speed Post & E/Mail received in your office but no action taken on plea of non-receipt even after sending copy with RTI Application.

We welcome our Young Minister as full-fledged in charge of an important Ministry of Corporate Affairs, whose one of the main functions is regulating the functioning of Corporate Sector.

It has been reported on 2-6-13 in The Times of India (Mumbai) that Companies are withdrawing health insurance cover facility for employees' parents under group mediclaim policies, citing rising costs. Parental cover, routinely provided by companies around five to six years ago, is now sponsored by employers in just 36% of group covers. According to an employee health and benefits study by insurance broker Marsh, only 36% organizations now sponsor cover for dependent parents under employee group mediclaim policies. "On an average, every year around 10% corporates with mediclaim stop sponsoring parental cover. This number which was 70% at the time of detariffing has come down over the years to 36%" said Sanjay Kedia, MD, Marsh India. He added that there is a need to have an environment where companies can cover pre-existing ailments so that there can be a policy which will provide benefits through collective bargaining and health management. ``This is going to be a big social issue as there will be no cover for parents with ailments," said Segar Sampathkumar, general manager and head of health insurance at New India Assurance. Instead of withdrawing the group mediclaim cover for parents, the right way to tackle costs would be through wellness programmes and encouraging 'responsible consumption' of insurance benefits, said Kedia, another problem hurts parents whose health cover has been withdrawn by their children's employer. In theory, a senior citizen covered under his/her children's group mediclaim policy should be able to use the portability route to buy a cover if the employer discontinues the policy. But in reality, no insurer has an individual policy which allows a senior citizen with pre-existing ailments to port into.

As you are aware, Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 forces the children to provide monthly Maintenance Allowance to all parents. Maintenance includes food, clothing, residence and medical attendance & treatment. The right of parents without any means to be supported by their children having sufficient means is provided in Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Hindu Adoptions & Maintenance Act, 1956 also. In view of this statutory provision for children to provide maintenance to parents for health care also, action of Corporates to stop this facility by depriving their employees of this facility is required to be stopped immediately and facility must be restored immediately. As Corporate Sector is stake holder of this Act and National Policy of Older Persons 1999 approved by Cabinet on 13-2-99, all relevant provisions should be brought to their notice.

National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 was announced on 13-2-99 with the approval of Cabinet. Para 93 of the Policy directs each Ministry to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets. Main provisions of NPOP, 99 for your Ministry, on which no action is taken for 14 years, are:-

i)                The Goal of the Policy is the wellbeing of Elders and aims to strengthen their legitimate place in Society and help them to live their last phase of their life with purpose, dignity & peace (Para 15).

ii)              The development of health care insurance is to be given priority to cater to the needs of Elders (Para 36). 

iii)            All endowments will be encouraged to extend their areas of concern to provide services to the elderly (Para 74).

You are requested to get Five Year and Annual Action Plan prepared for your Ministry and get these provisions implemented early.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs had notified more comprehensive revised Guide Lines for Corporate Social Responsibility in July, 2011, in which it is already laid down that ``Depending upon their core competency and business interest, companies should undertake activities for economic and social development of communities and geographical areas, particularly in the vicinity of their operations. These could include: education, skill building for livelihood of people, health, cultural and social welfare etc., particularly targeting at disadvantaged sections of society.``

Senior Citizens are a disadvantaged section of Society due to ageing and form almost 10% of the total population of the Country- 37% is Below Poverty Line and more than 33% belong to Lower Income Group and the financial position of these 70% is very fragile and needs help of Corporate World.

CSR is coming out of the purview of ‘doing social good’ and is fast becoming a ‘business necessity’. The ‘business case’ for CSR is gaining ground and corporate houses are realizing that ‘what is good for workers - their community, health, and environment is also good for the businesses. 

A  Note on Advocacy on Corporate Front from Smt Shielu Sreenivasan, President, Dignity Foundation, Mumbai appeared in Dignity Dialogue for May,12,(Copy enclosed) was sent by me on which also no action is taken by your officers with negative attitude.

We, 12 crore of Country`s Elders have high hopes from our Young Dynamic Minister and we are hopeful that you will take immediate & sympathetic action on our both representations at an early date.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Copy forwarded to Shri  T.R.Meena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, A Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-101001 for pursuing the matter further.

Provisions for Housing for Senior Citizens.

To                                              Date: 27-3-13.

Shri Ajay Maken, Hon Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, Nirman Bhawan, R.No. 101 C,Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi 110001.

Dear Sir, 

Sub: Non-implementation of National Policy on Older Persons, 1999.

Ref: Our representation dt 1-8-12 to your predecessor, followed by RTI Application dt 18-9-12 and letters dt 20-11-12, 5-1-13 and 18-2-13.

We welcome you as our new Minister for Ministry of Housing & Poverty Alleviation. We are aware of your dynamic actions for upliftment of the poor & weaker sections of the Society. We, 12 crore Elders of the Country look towards you for dynamic & expeditious action on various provisions pertaining to your Ministry made by Government of India in National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 notified on 13-2-99 with approval of Cabinet. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation 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, State Governments and other nodal authorities and monitor the programmes concerning all the issues of urban employment, poverty and housing in the country. In terms of Para 93 of the Policy, each Ministry is required to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets.

We, therefore, request you to issue specific instructions to States/UTs for various Provisions of NPOP, 99 pertaining to your Ministry on which no action appears to have been taken in these 14 years. We request you to take immediate action and advise the action taken.

i)                Para 48 of the Policy  lays down that Housing Schemes will earmark 10% of the houses, house sites for Elders. Elders will be given easy access to loans for purchase of houses, repairs etc.

ii)              As per para 49, layout of housing colonies will have to respond to the life style of Elders etc.

iii)            Para 50 encourages Group Housing for Elders.

iv)             Para 61expects grants in aid to voluntary organizations for providing subsidized housing to poor elders.

v)               Para 82 expects policies to encourage younger generation to co-reside with elders and to be given preference in allotment of houses, NGOs to be encouraged to provide in-house service to elders etc. There is provision for poverty alleviation of Elders in urban areas etc.

 Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Loneliness amongst Senior Citizens.

To                                              Date: 27-3-13.

DR. M. MANGAPATI PALLAM RAJU, AB – 3, PANDARA ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 003

Hon. Minister for Human Resource Development,

Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110001.

Dear Sir, 

Sub:  Education and Recognition of 12 crore Elders as Resource & Think-Tank of the Country.

Ref: Various Provisions in National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 and our representation dt. 24-7-12 to your predecessor, followed by RTI Application dt 1-9-12, 1^st Appeal dt 15-10-12 and letters to Shri Ashok Thakur, Secretary, Higher Education on 20-12-12 & 17-2-13 to which no replies are received..

We welcome you as our new Minister for Most Important Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The essence of Human Resource Development is education, which plays a significant and remedial role in balancing the socio-economic fabric of the Country. Since citizens of India are its most valuable resource, our billion-strong nation needs the nurture and care in the form of basic education to achieve a better quality of life. This warrants an all-round development of our citizens, which can be achieved by building strong foundations in education. Motto of Human Development Ministry is ``All for Knowledge & Knowledge for All.``

 12 crore Elders of the Country are declared  as huge untapped resource by Government of India with approval of Cabinet on 13-2-99 in National Policy, 99 (Para 78) for which facilities are to be made available to use their potentiality as per their choice. We request you to develop this untapped resource of the Country for last spell of our life andprovide avenues for utilization of this experienced vast human force of 12 crore Elders. Special programmes are required to be designed, so that they can enrich and update their knowledge, integrate tradition with contemporary needs and transmit more effectively the Socio-Cultural heritage to school children and youths. As per para 81 of Policy, 99, programmes are to be developed to promote family values, sensitize the young on the necessity & desirability of inter-generational bonding and continuity of meeting filial obligations of children.

We had brought all aspects required to be considered by your Ministry to the notice of your predecessor  Shri Kapil Sibalji under our letter dt 24-7-12 enclosed herewith without repeating its contents here. We have been advised in writing by almost all your departments that work assigned to them does not include various aspects of development of Elders and implementation of National Policy, 99. Kindly, get this very important subject of developing this huge resource of 12 crore Elders dealt with by some department very early, as loneliness created due to no developmental programmes by your Ministry is creating a very big Social Problem in the entire Country.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia

M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (E). District Thane, Maharashtra. 401 107.   M.09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                              Date: 24-7-12.

Shri Kapil Sibalji,

Hon. Minister for Human Resource Development,

Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110001.

Dear Sir, 

Sub:  Education and Recognition of 12 crore Elders as Resource & Think-Tank of the Country.

Ref: Various Provisions in National Policy of Older Persons, 1999.

1.     We are very much impressed by your enthusiastic actions in reforming the Education System and bringing RTE Act and monitoring the progress of Educational systems in the entire Country. You have taken several path breaking reforms in the education sector. The historic guarantee of the right to free elementary education became a reality under your stewardship. This enactment has the potential to unleash the latent energies of the children of India. Higher education has also seen a significant overhaul in its governance and regulatory structures. As the essence of Human Resource Development is education, which plays a significant and remedial role in balancing the socio-economic fabric of the Country, we, the Senior Citizens of the Country look towards you, one of us being 64, for taking very early suitable action to implement various provisions in NPOP, 99 pertaining to your Ministry for unleashing our potential for benefit of Society and Country.

2.     Para 93 of the Policy directs each Ministry to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets. Para 18 of the Policy envisages that age 60+ is a phase, when individual should have chances and opportunities to lead an active, creative, productive and satisfying life. For this, paras 55 to 58 of Policy lay down detailed guidelines and directives to meet the education, training and information needs of Elders. Open Universities are expected to develop packages using distance education learning techniques. Educational curriculums at all stages of formal and non-formal education have to incorporate material to strengthen inter-generational bonds etc.  Let Good Institutes open their doors and give as many facilities as possible to Senior Citizens 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. No action appears to have been taken on these specific paras concerning your Ministry for last 13 years.

3.     Para 78 of Policy recognizes Senior Citizens as huge untapped resource for which facilities are to be made available to use their potentiality as per their choice. Special programmes are required to be designed, so that they can enrich and update their knowledge, integrate tradition with contemporary needs and transmit more effectively the Socio-Cultural heritage to school children and youths. As per para 81, programmes are to be developed to promote family values, sensitize the young on the necessity & desirability of inter-generational bonding and continuity of meeting filial obligations of children. As per para 83, Medical colleges and research institutions are required to set up centres of gerontology studies and geriatrics. An inter-disciplinary coordinating body with national status for research for gerontological issues, sensitization programmes on ageing etc is to be established. There are large number of paras in which your Ministry has to take initiative and take very early action.

4.     We request you to create vast avenues for useful utilization of this ever increasing vast resource of Senior Citizens as laid down in Policy. As you know, idle mind is devil`s workshop and having no such avenues for utilization, large number of Senior Citizens abuse themselves. A person retires from service, he feels he has done a lot and now deserves rest! He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health & connected problems! He abuses himself!! He develops inertia of doing nothing. 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 our energy. He forgets that majority of our Ministers are Senior Citizens working enthusiastically for welfare of masses. In old age also, we have unlimited energy and the Principle is ``USE IT OR LOOSE IT. As older persons constitute an ever-increasing proportion of the total population, they have the potential to become more influential  politically, economically and socially. Fulfilling this potential would be in line with the objectives of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which are to ensure that people age with security and dignity and continue to participate fully in their societies as citizens with full rights. We have to provide some honorary or paid work to all as per their qualification, inclination and timings etc. We have to lay down an humane Policy for utilization of very large portion of our citizens, who will be 20% of the population shortly by 2050 and if allowed to idle for long life of 30-40 years after retirement, there would be insurmountable problem for the Society & Country.

5.     We have large number of intelligent officers and staff in your Ministry and thinkers in the Country, who can suggest such avenues for utilization of our Elders. You may like to get their views and create a Policy with avenues for Elders. e.g. We can consider part time jobs like (i) monitoring some 5 schools by a senior citizen in his near about  area for moral lessons to students etc (ii) Appointments on Advisory Committees of Municipality, supervising civic facilities, gardens, gyms, temples, encroachment on footpaths etc (iii) Looking after welfare activities of Corporate Houses under CSR funds utilization (iv) Government programmes like teaching adults, street children, Family Planning, polio drops, drug abuse, respect for women, census, elections, help in law and order situations etc  (v) Visits to Hospitals, Old Men Homes. (vi)  Counseling & helping needy Senior Citizens etc.

6.     With your dynamic personality & tact of handling all situations very efficiently, we are sure that you will do needful quickly, sincerely and set an example on all Ministries by becoming First to completely implementing National Policy concerning your Ministry.

7.     We request you to give us reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual for this request, indicating your plan of action.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Report of Task Force headed by Shri Mihir Shah notified in Web Site of Rural Ministry. Ref: News in Live Mint & The Wall Street Journal of 4-3-13.

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                                                                                                8th March, 2013.

 Shri Jairam Rameshji, Honorable Minister of Rural Development,

Government of India, Krishi Bhawan, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi-110001.

   

Respected Jairamji,

Sub: Report of Task Force headed by Shri Mihir Shah notified in Web Site of Rural Ministry.

 Ref: News in Live Mint & The Wall Street Journal of 4-3-13.

It is observed from above News that you are very happy & in total agreement with the recommendations and would put it up to Cabinet for implementation. We would request you to look in to the following observations sympathetically.

Recommendations of this Task Force are nothing but a JOKE of the Day and Mockery of Respected Elders of the Country!! 

The learned Task Force has recommended Rs 300 p.m. as IGNOAPension from 1-4-13, same amount as already given for other 2 pensions by Government from 1-4-12!! Let government be fair to their elders and give Rs 300 to Senior Citizens from the same date viz 1-4-12, as given to other 2 categories and not from 1-4-13, as recommended.  Rs 300 to a Senior Citizen belonging to BPL Family of 5 are nothing but a social crime. If only one senior citizen is in BPL Family of 5, the entire family shares the meagre pension of Rs 300. Even after State/UT`s contribution, it works out to Rs 600 for five members i.e. Rs 20 per day for 5 and Rs 4 per one living/breathing INDIAN CITIZEN!! BRAVO to TASK FORCE!!

Financial Constrains are for only helpless, ailing BPL Elders of a Highly Advanced & Financially Prosperous Country, which boasts in the ENTIRE WORLD for having RESPECT for their ELDERS!! Government spends Rs 20000 p.a. (more than Rs 1600 p.m.) for one Under Trial Prisoner and much more for convicts. Even alcoholic & drug addicts are granted Rs 900 p.m. by same Govt for food during their remaining in Anti-addict Centres! Rs 300 to Respected BPL ELDERS are a MOCKERY OF HUMANBEING & SOCIAL CRIME!! Kindly, consider how much Government is spending for SC/ST/OBC/Minority citizens only considering that they are born in those families and they are looked after well by Government and are given lot of facilities and opportunities without seeing their financial or social position. BPL are also born in BPL families, which are not given any facilities or opportunities to educate themselves or get employment or earn their livelihood for centuries together. Those born in such disadvantaged poor families remain BPL due to competitive social & economic condition in the Country and deserve special treatment on par with SC/ST/OBC/Minority Community etc. 

 Para 25 of National Policy, 99 lays down that rates of monthly pension will need to be revised at intervals so that inflation does not deflate its real purchasing power, whereas TASK FORCE has now suggested in 2013 for linking with inflation and that too not with immediate effect but in Phase II i.e. with effect from 1-4-14!! WHOLE COUNTRY must salute such TASK FORCE!!

Task Force has suggested Rs 500p.m. from 5th year (2016-17) of 12th Plan. This is nothing but cheating BPL Elders!! Task Force has not cared and taken note of Country-wide agitations by Joint Action Committee of all Organizations of Senior Citizens of the entire Country for last 3 years and recent mass agitation in Delhi by Pension Parishad headed by Smt Aruna Roy.

Task Force has not bothered to remove the adoption of 13 Parameters by Rural Ministry for classifying BPL Family for giving this meagre pension to Senior Citizen but has boldly suggested to continue present criteria and to consider change over later to criteria notified by Government for fixing Priority Households and General Households under National Food Security Act!!! Can this be due to lethargy & inertia of the Task Force to examine the given task and decide as per terms of reference or just to eyewash and strengthen the prejudice of Government for their Elders due to so called restraints of resources only for Elders or to recommend on dotted lines of thinking of anti-elder Government officials!!

Kindly, consider the plight of BPL Elders of the Country sympathetically.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)