Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens-Suggestion to Minister.

To Date: 15-4-10.


Shri Mukul Wasnikji,

Hon. Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,

Government of India, Shastri Bhawan,

New Delhi-110 001.



Respected Sir,



Sub: Integrated Programme for Older Persons to improve their quality of life Revised Scheme effective from 1-4-08.



16 Programmes prescribed under the above Scheme of your Ministry are very well-thought measures for improving the quality of life of Senior Citizens of our Country. However, as very few programmes have come up in these 2 years and as these programmes have far reaching effect on lives of Senior Citizens, it is necessary that a fixed time bound schedule is laid down for providing these facilities in each area and progress monitored. Local Bodies are one of the Implementing Agencies for these Programmes. All local bodies are having required infrastructure to provide these programmes and if a time bound programme for each of their wards, as necessary is laid down and Budget Provisions made and grants given to them, all the 16 programmes, as necessary for their ward wise areas can be provided in a time bound schedule. As all local bodies are controlled by elected representatives of citizens and follow all rules of Public Accounting etc, it would be easy to entrust them this wonderful benevolent work of improving the quality of life of Senior Citizens of our Country. To ensure that each Local Body does this in a time bound schedule, this Scheme may be included in Welfare & Maintenance of Parents & Senior Citizens Act on par with provision of One Old Age Home in each District by State Government, if necessary or separate legislation for this may be got passed for expeditious provision of these life enriching 16 programmes. Other Implementing Agencies may also come up for grants, if they have proper infrastructure and other requirements.



The above suggestion may please be considered at an early date and facilities under this Scheme provided very early.



Thanking You,



Yours Sincerely,



(M.V.Ruparelia)