World Elder Abuse Awareness Day- 15 th June, 15.

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

Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of India.                                   Date: 15-6-15.    

South Block, Raisina Hill, New Delhi-110101.

Respected Modiji,

Sub: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day- 15 th June, 15.

You have been kind enough to various sections of Society and have taken action to give various benefits to them, you have also talked about them in your Man Ki Bat etc but completely forgotten your 12 cror Elders of the Country. I have sent you 4 letters dt 17-5-14, 27-5-14, 24-7-14 and 14-4-15 giving what is not done in addition to letters to concerned Ministers. No reply is received from your side nor from concerned Ministries. It is seen from Press Reports that no mention is made by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment about Senior Citizens in their Progress Report about work done by Nodal Ministry during the first year of BJP Rule.

According to the INPEA, Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship, where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It can be of various forms-physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, financial or simply reflect intentional or unintentional neglect. Elder Abuse is a violation of Human Rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, lost productivity, isolation & despair. Confronting & reducing Elder Abuse requires a multispectral & multidisciplinary approach. Governments and Most Powerful Fourth Estate viz Media are two main sources on which depend the well being of Elders and strengthening of their legitimate place in Society & helping them to live their last phase of life with Purpose, Dignity & Peace. Not implementing the various notified Policies by Central & State Governments and other stake holders even after 17 years is nothing but Deplorable Abuse of Elders in India  in light of INPEA`s above definition!

On this International Day, we request you to look in to this deplorable position for quick remedial actions, hold second All India Conference of Senior Citizens at your level and do something concrete for the well being of Elders and strengthening of their legitimate place in Society & helping them to live their last phase of life with Purpose, Dignity & Peace.

With Blessings and Best Wishes,

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Interview on 20-5-15 at my residence by S/Shri Kashkhedikar, Secretary General, AISCCON & Shri Rangnathan, Acting Editor, AISCCONNEWS:-

Interview on 20-5-15 at my residence by S/Shri Kashkhedikar, Secretary General, AISCCON & Shri Rangnathan, Acting Editor, AISCCONNEWS:-

Q 1: What prompted you to come in Senior Citizen Movement?

My Gandhian School Shri Sharda Mandir, Karachi and my employment  in Indian Railway Personnel Service had made me welfare oriented. Plight of Senior Citizens due to bad roads, long ques in Post Offices, rickshaws not running on meters etc in Mira Road prompted me to do something for Senior Citizens. Starting with representations and meeting authorities concerned and then taking advantage of RTI Act, 2005, I started with my Mission. On examining the provisions in detail in NPOP, 99, I started with concerned Central Ministry, first writing detailed representation to Minister by name followed by  RTI. Each Ministry was given the provisions pertaining to them and reasoning as to why they have to take action on their portions.

Q 2: What is the biggest achievement in this movement caused by you?

It brought awareness in all Concerned Central Ministries about NPOP, 99.
Except Nodal Ministry, other Ministries were not aware about action to be taken on most of the provisions. Each Ministry started taking action after much hesitation. Action taken by them was circulated to active senior citizens & their Associations and published in AISCCON NEWS from time to time. On persuing each para of NPOP, we got Nodal Ministry to prepare First Annual Plan, initiating action on National Commission, notifying Separate Beuro with staff strength etc. On requesting President, National Conference was held by Nodal Ministry and follow up action was also advised. Even on persuation, Planning Commission's Committee gave favourable  report for all our demands made to Planning Commission.

Q 3: Which is the happiest moment?

When I get detailed reply and when my article is published in AISCCON NEWS.

Q 4: Social Development is partnership of Senior Citizens and Government. Do you agree, if not why?

 Yes.

Q 5: What is your Message to new Office Bearers of Senior Citizens Organizations?

 Organize Awareness Campaigns for senior citizens of your area and go on representing to concerned Authorities about requirements of senior citizens and implementation of declared Policies of Central, State and Local Bodies.

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)

Information in respect of delay in replying several representations from Senior Citizens. IInd Appeal dt 10-8-14, Application dt 22-4-14.

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

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: 7-2-15.

Shri Ratnakar Gaikwad,

State  Information Commissioner, (Right To Information Act, 2005),

Maharashtra State, New Administrative Building, 13 th Floor, Opp. Mantralaya, 

Mumbai-400032.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Information in respect of delay in replying several representations from Senior Citizens. IInd Appeal dt 10-8-14, Application dt 22-4-14.

Ref: Your Speaking Orders dt 17-10-14 dismissing IInd Appeal.

1.      I am senior citizen 81, suffering from incurable Lung Disease, called IPF due to which I am not able to walk even 2-3 steps or do any activity without having intolerable  breathlessness, coughing etc. For a very long time, I was not able to look after myself independently, admitted to Hospitals twice, bed ridden during the time of above IInd Appeal and could not see your communications or reply them. Now, some recovery in general health has come, though breathlessness on walking 2-3 steps continues.

2.       On seeing papers now, it is observed that above IInd Appeal was dismissed without examining documents available with IInd Appeal & produced by PIO. PIO`s statement that requested information was given by her in her letter dt 2-6-14 is completely incorrect and misleading. I enclose her letter dt 2-6-14 for ready reference, simple perusal of this letter will reveal that no information is given, as requested in Application dt 22-4-14. No reply is given by Appellate Authority to whom 1^st Appeal indicating the incorrectness of reply of PIO was given. 7 Important points of not giving information were brought out in IInd Appeal in para 9 of IInd Appeal, which were also not examined and refuted/accepted in Speaking Order. Presence of Applicant during Hearing is not a must as per the RTI Act, 2005. AA has to examine documents and give reasoned speaking orders.

3.       Simple information is requested as to what delays the dealing and replying 15 letters listed in Application. For e.g. first Representation dt 17-10-13 to CM by name for State Policy on Senior Citizens declared on 30-9-13 followed by Bombay High Court`s orders no. Y-5301(iii/13)/1582/2013 dt 31-12-13, again followed by their orders no. Y5301(i/14)360/2014 dt 25-3-14 and many Media Reports not replied so far. Reply of PIO does not give any information for this. Government of India has declared all Indian Citizens of 60 years as senior citizens in entire India. Law of the Land, as laid down in Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 has laid down statutorily that in India, citizens of 60 will be considered as senior citizen. How can the Richest and Most Advanced State of Maharashtra declare that in Maharashtra, citizens of 65 only will be senior citizen. Even toughest department of Central Government viz Income Tax Department has considered citizen of 60 as senior citizen!! Meetings with Joint Action Committee of large number of associations of senior citizens are not held for finalizing this issue affecting 33 lakh senior citizens, deprived of being called senior citizens.

4.      All 15 representations do not pertain to Policy framed in Sept, 13 on which no action is taken even after 17 months for items accepted in Policy and not requiring any monetary support. International Days for senior citizens are not celebrated in Mumbai, ignoring and insulting Elders of this most advanced State and no reply is given for such representations also. 16 schemes of Integrated Programme of Ministry of Social Justice for which money is given by Central Ministry, no instructions are being issued to Municipalities & Panchayats for which no money is to be spent by State, only circular is to be issued and pursued periodically. Neither circular is being issued nor reply to representation to CM is being given.

5.      Out of 15 representations, there are 5 RTI Applications, which are not replied, though sent by registered /speed posts.  As AAs nor anybody in this Ministry do not bother about appeals/correspondence/representations from Public, Rs 20 for fees and registered postage charges are not spent. Even SIC`s Orders are not carried out and replies are not given for non-compliance of orders.

We shall be thankful, if you also being senior citizen consider this sorry state of affairs in Maharashtra and do needful.

With Blessings & Best Wishes,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Indifferent Attitude & Highhandedness of Government of Maharashtra towards Elders of Maharashtra.

By Regd A.D.

M.V.Ruparelia. Senior Citizen of 82 years. A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (E). 401107.   M. 9821732855.   E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                                          Mumbai. Date 8-5-15.

The Registrar General,

Bombay High Court, Fort, Mumbai-400032.

Respected Hon Chief Justice Of Maharashtra,

Sub: Indifferent Attitude & Highhandedness of Government of Maharashtra towards Elders of Maharashtra.

Ref: Your letters to the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra and copy to me under your  no. Y.5301 (iii/13)1582/2013 dt 31-12-13 and Reminder I no. Y5301 (i/14)360/2014 dt 25-3-14 and further Communication in Sept, 14 in response to my letter dt 18-8-14.

I am 82 years suffering from incurable lung disease called IPF having lot of breathlessness on walking even 2-3 steps.  We are thankful for your above directives to State Government but regret to inform that no reply is received so far even after 19 months of our representation dt 17-10-13 to  Chief Minister of Maharashtra, followed by reminders and representations of  our Joint Action Committee of 37 Organizations of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra under their letter no. 121-127/14 dt 7-10-13, 8-6-14 and 28-6-14 to rectify this anamoly of definition of Senior Citizen and to take action on various provisions of the State Policy declared on 30-9-13 and to give them opportunity to discuss various matters. Neither any reply is being given nor is meeting being fixed for discussion. Meeting fixed on         was a fiasco, as no concerned officers from various departments attended the Meeting.

1. The condition of 1.39 crore (60+ as per latest voters list of Maharashtra published on 31-7-14) Elders of Maharashtra is perhaps the worst in the entire country in this Most Rich & Advanced State. Maharashtra Government adopted National Policy of Older Persons, 99 (NPOP, 99) after 15 years on 30-9-13, after continuous chasing by our associations and individuals, which was depriving 1.39 crores of Elders of various facilities and concessions provided in Policy, 99. Worst thing the State did was to declare citizens of 65+ as Senior Citizens in Maharashtra against 60+ in the entire Country, depriving 35% of 1.39 crore Senior Citizens of Maharashtra from various concessions & facilities, they were getting till 30-9-13 as reported by Times of India in their Newspaper dt 1-10-13  without giving them opportunity to represent or heard.
2. National Policy, 99 considers 60+ as senior citizens. THE MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS ACT, 2007-No. 56 OF 2007-[29th December, 2007] in Chapter 1-   2 – Definitions- defines senior citizen as under statutorily for the entire Country:

H: "senior citizen" means any person being a citizen of India, who has attained the age of sixty years or above.

Standing Committee on Social Justice(2013-14) (15^th Lok Sabha) in para 23 of their 39^th Report have laid stress on this aspect and have desired that all Authorities must adopt uniform criteria for the definition of senior citizens and give due concessions/facilities as per definition.

Thus, Maharashtra Govt is going against laid down Law of the Country viz THE MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS ACT, 2007-No. 56 OF 2007-[29th December, 2007] and all directives of Cabinet in NPOP, 99 and Parliamentary Committee.

3. Even after adopting some provisions of National Policy, 99 on 30-9-13, no action is being taken to implement any of the accepted and notified provisions, even after 20 full  months!! Under our letter dt 22-6-14 to Shri G G Alhatji, Up-Sachiv (Coordination), Ministry of Social Justice  & Vishesh Sahaya, Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032, we suggested to issue instructions for various provisions, where no funds are required but only outside stake holders have to be told to take actions as per State Policy. No action is being taken.
4. Apart from non-implementation of the declared Policy, even representations for various important matters to this Ministry for information or action are just not replied. We must have sent about 100 representations/suggestions and copies of facilities etc given by other States for similar action through Registered letters, Ordinary letters and E/Mails but none are replied. We brought this to the notice of Chief Minister under our letter dt 26-5-14 giving a list of only 15 important representations not replied by Ministry of Social Justice and Vishesh Sahaya stating that as per Chapter 3, Rule 10 of Government Servants Regulation of Transfers and Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act (Act 21 of 2006), no file can remain pending with a Government servant for more than 7 working days (about ten days) and the final decision on any file should be taken in less than 90 days but in these cases no reply is being given even after this statutory limit.
5. THE MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS ACT, 2007 was adopted by Maharashtra State on 23-6-10 and notified in Extra Ordinary Gazeette no. 86. According to Sec 21 of these Rules, 2010, the State was to establish State Council of Senior Citizens to advise the State on effective implementation of the Act etc.Similar Council was necessary asper National Policy, 99. Even after 4 years of laying down the formation of such Council statutorily and District Committees of Senior Citizens and Volunteers` Committees of Senior Citizens at each Police Station (Sec 20), no action is taken to form any Negotiating achinery for Senior Citizens and requests for Meetings by our Organizations are denied.
6. Senior Citizens and their Associations of Maharashtra are not able to get anything done by this Ministry, inspite of repeated ``Protest Day`` and demonstrations in Azad Maidan for last several years on 16^th August for several years. They do not know to whom to approach. In Federal Democracy, representations to President, Prime Minister, Governors and Chief Ministers are just forwarded and forgotten. Associations do not have finance or willingness to enter in to legal fights with Authorities due to fear of being blacklisted etc. I or many of other social workers or office bearers do not need any concessions/facilities but want to help needy senior citizens. Overcrowded suburban trains discourage them to come to High Court etc. At 82, I am not mobile due to incurable IPF etc and to come to High Court with PIL etc from Mira Road! We, therefor come to you through this letter for helping 1.39 crore Elders of Maharashtra.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia) 

Letter to Prime Minister of India in reply to his Communication dt 31-3-15 to All Senior Citizens.

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: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                                                                          Date: 14-4-15.

Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of India.

1.      We are thankful to you for your personal concern for Elders of the Country in your communication dt 31-3-15. We would like to bring out one of our grievances for very early action.

2.      Government of India with approval of Cabinet 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 is not finalized even after years together. Para 29 of Policy, 99 lays down that these Elder contributors should feel assured that the payments at the end of stipulated period are attractive enough to take care of the likely erosion in purchasing power due to erosion.

3.      Many Elders depend for livelihood on interest on their meager savings due to economic position at the time of their retirement. In February 2013, State Bank of India has reduced 0.25 points from additional interest of 0.50 per cent paid to senior citizens on fixed deposits to reduce the cost of funds of banks, though Reserve Bank and Finance Ministry have given in writing that they have not issued any orders to reduce rates for Senior Citizens. Reserve Bank of India vide their Master circular DBOD no. Dir.BC.1/13-03.00/2012-13 dt 2-7-12 had authorized all Banks to formulate with approval of their Board of Directors fixed Deposit Schemes for senior Citizens, offering higher and fixed rates of interest as compared to normal deposits of other citizens. Reserve Bank and all Public Sector Undertakings including Banks are the stake holders of this Policy and apex authority of Government to sponsor and support programmes of the Government. State Bank of India is the biggest and most Profit Earning Bank and has a moral & Corporate Social Responsibility, having laid down obligation towards senior citizens of the Country. Looking to their profits, they should give very higher and fixed rate of interest to Senior Citizens to take care of the likely erosion in purchasing power due to ever increasing inflation.

4.     According to directives in National Policy, 99, each Ministry was required to bring various provisions of National Policy, 99 to the notice of all Officers and Staff of their Ministry. Finance Ministry has not brought out Mandate & Policy Statement (Para Paras 12 to 29) to the notice of Reserve Bank and all other Government & Non-government Banks and Departments under Ministry of Finance, so that all departments of Finance Ministry act on these provisions. On reference to Reserve Bank on this aspect, Reserve Bank has stated in para 3 of their letter no. DBOD no.DIR.5721/13.01.01/2013-14 dt 26-9-13 that they have not received the Government Notification for these provisions. In absence of proper directives from Finance Ministry, other Banks also give only ½ % extra instead of higher and fixed rates of interest directed by Reserve Bank. Such extra ½ % is a mockery of your Elders. We shall be obliged, if you get proper directives issued by Finance Ministry on priority basis to all Banks, including State Bank to give higher and fixed rates of interest as directed by Reserve Bank. All Ministries may also be advised 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.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)