World Elder Abuse Day-Letter to Chief Minister of Maharashtra to stop Abuse of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra.

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

To                                                                                                               Date. 14-6-11.

Shri Prithviraj Chavan,

Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.

Respected Sir,

Sub: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day-15-6-11.

1.      Our Culture respects our Elders and Our Governments at Centre & State/UTs level are led by Elderly Statesmen like Sincere & Honest Shri Manmohan Singh and many others young, honest & energetic like you. Senior Citizens of our State have high hopes from You and they expect that You will look after their interest & welfare.

2.       !5-6-2011 is the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) declared by United Nations.  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 and financial or simply reflect intentional or unintentional neglect. Elder Abuse is a violation of Human Rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, loss of productivity, isolation & despair. Confronting & reducing Elder Abuse requires a multispectral & multidisciplinary approach.

3.     Government of India had declared a comprehensive National Policy of Older Persons in 1999 for welfare of Senior Citizens and States/UTs were expected to take immediate action on various provisions. You will be surprised to know that Our Most Progressive, Prosperous & Highest Tax Collector State has not adopted, accepted and notified the State Policy even after 12 FULL YEARS. This is nothing but Deplorable Abuse of Elders of Maharashtra in light of INPEA`s above definition! UNO has also started taking stock of implementation by various Governments of their directives given in their United Nation International Plan of Action adopted by all Countries in Madrid in 2002. The well-being of senior citizens is also mandated in the Constitution of India under Article 41. On this August Day, we request You to get the notification of State Policy expedited.

4.      Even in absence of notification of State Policy, the following actions can be taken by the State Government for welfare of their Elders:-

(i)                Celebrating International Day of Older Persons (IDOP):  It is observed that this Day is neither observed by State nor by Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies in Maharashtra inspite of repeated instructions from Nodal Ministry every year. It has been advised by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, New Delhi in reply to my recent Application under RTI that this year also, they had issued instructions under their directive under no. 15-39 (12)/09-10/AGII dt 3-9-10 that these programmes should be organized with active involvement of Sr citizens, Panchayati Raj & Municipal Bodies etc. On enquiries from BMC & MBMC, it is given to understand that they are having no specific instructions from your side.  Kindly issue proper detailed instructions to all concerned including all your departments and local bodies to celebrate this International Day to respect Elders of Maharashtra without waiting for notification of State Policy and instructions may be repeated every year sufficiently in advance. Similar instructions for celebrating ``World Awareness Day of Abuse of Older Persons`` on 15^th June may also be issued. These celebrations will create proper atmosphere of Respect for Elders in the Society.

(ii)             Vayoshestha Sanmans:  Nodal Ministry has given a list of 10 Sanmans given by them every year, which they give in celebration of IDOP. Our State should also give similar Sanmans at State/District/Panchayat-Municipal levels.

(iii)           Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP)- Revised Scheme effective from 1-4-2008: Nodal Ministry has advised that as against National Allocation  to Maharashtra for this purpose in year 2008-09 of Rs 150 lakhs, only Rs 49.92 and against NA for 2009-10 of Rs 75 lakhs, only Rs 47.07 were released as per State Demand.  Para 6 of the Revised Scheme has made Panchayati Raj Institutions & Local Bodies as main implementing Agencies. No instructions having been issued to these agencies, BMC & MBMT are refusing to take action and insist on State Instructions. Kindly make out a time bound programme for each Panchayat & Municipal Units to provide these schemes in each ward within a year or two, as 90% of recurring & non-recurring expenditure will be borne by Ministry of Social Justice, Delhi. Planning Commission has been requested to provide sufficient funds for these very useful schemes.

(iv)           Involve Panchayati Raj Institutions & Municipalities For Welfare of Senior Citizens: Panchayati Raj Institutions (and Local Bodies) are to be encouraged to initiate & participate in all schemes of Welfare of Elders, address local level issues & needs of the ageing population and implement programmes for them. They will provide Forums for discussing concerns of Older Persons & Activities that need to be taken. Such Forums will be encouraged at Panchayat, Municipal, Block & District level. They will have adequate representation of older women. Panchayat will mobilize the talents & skills of older persons & draw up plans for utilizing these at local level. Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Local Bodies and monitor the progress, as this will lead to real welfare of Elders of Maharashtra.

(v)             Instructions to our Media, Trusts, Charitable Hospitals/State & Municipal Hospitals , NGOs , Civic Authorities etc:  Kindly issue necessary instructions to all Stake Holders in Maharashtra for looking after the welfare of Elders, so that they start doing their work, which may lead to our Elders leading dignified life during their last spell of life. Arrangements may please be made to obtain details of all Registered Associations/Organizations working for senior Citizens, if necessary, from Charity Commissioner or as available in Karmayog & other Web Sites or by inviting information from organizations and issue instructions to all Departments to endorse copy of all circulars/instructions affecting elders to Federations/State level Organizations. Similar  to all Departments to endorse copy of all circulars/instructions affecting elders to Federations/State level Organizations. Similar list should be available with each Panchayat/ Municipality & each Ward Officer for their jurisdiction. State & Local Bodies should call for Meetings, Seminars etc for inter action with elders periodically.

Just as Director (Ageing) is working as Nodal Officer in Ministry of S.J. & E. at Centre, a Nodal Officer at State level may be nominated to deal with all representations/matters pertaining to Senior Citizens.

(vi)           Annual Report of work done in the State for its Elders: At present any good work done for Elders by State is not known to large number of Senior Citizens. An annual report for all work done for Elders in the State should be prepared and brought out in Media on every International Day for Older Persons. This will not only monitor various actions by all authorities but boost morale of Elders of Maharashtra.

(All these vi items were represented to Principal Secretary vide my letter dt 30-12-10 followed by reminders but no action is taken even after 5 months!).

(vii)          Transport Concessions to Senior Citizens:   As per Memorandum issued by Home Department under no. kra.STC-1998/667/pra.ka.36/pari.1 dt 25-10-2000, 50% concession in fares for travelling in MSRTC buses is given to all Senior Citizens of 65 years and above. It is experienced by Senior Citizens of Maharashtra as well as other States coming to Maharashtra that Conductors insist on production of Identity Card issued by State of Maharashtra and do not accept other Identity Cards issued by other States or Central Government Departments, PAN cards, Passports etc. Any photo-identity card issued by any Public Authority including local authorities should be sufficient to get this concession. We shall be grateful, if proper instructions with liberal provisions are got issued very early. We would also request you to consider earmarking of more seats in ST buses for Senior Citizens, as recently done by BEST and to give free or 90% concession to female Senior Citizens, especially widows and above 80 years.  Present age limit of 65 for this concession may also be reduced to 60, as accepted by Finance Ministry for Tax Exemption from 1-4-11, as all Senior Citizens deserve similar treatment in view of less income after retirement.  General Managers of Local Suburban Railway trains should be approached by State and made to realize the need for separate coach for Senior Citizens, as they are more handicapped than medically certified handicaps and Ladies. Some seats in First Class Coaches should be got reserved.

(viii)      Medical Treatment in Municipal Hospitals in Mumbai:  As per State GR no. 2006/navi-20 dt 12-12-06, free treatment is to be given to all Senior Citizens in all Municipal Hospitals. All Hospitals, except 3 major Hospitals of Nair, KEM & Sion have given in writing that they are giving free treatment to all Senior Citizens. These 3 major Hospitals are defying the State Orders for last 5 years and do not give free treatment to Senior Citizens. You may kindly use your good offices and help your Elders.

(ix)           Free Movement of Rickshaws in entire MMRDA Area:  As per Notification in Extraordinary State Gazette dt 25-2-08, all Rickshaws & taxies were allowed to ply in entire MMRDA area but these orders are not yet implemented even after 3 years for rickshaws, resulting in Senior Citizens and all citizens have to walk with luggage/heavy school bags at all check nakas for change over from one side Rickshaws to other side Rickshaws. In Mira Road- Bhayander Area, Rickshaws are not running on meters and they charge exorbitant rates for even short distance e.g. from Checknaka to Shrusti area- distance of less than 1.6 km, Rs 40 is charged. Kindly, use your good offices and get these genuine grievances solved.

(x)              Maintenance & Welfare of parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2010:  In the recently notified Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act in extraordinary Gazette dt 23-6-10, important provisions of the Central Act, 2007 in respect of Medical Support for Senior Citizens (Section 20) and Transfer of property to be void in certain circumstances (Section 23) are omitted. These are very important provisions for Senior Citizens and may kindly be got added.

(xi)           Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension:  Out of more than 9 lakh Senior Citizens in Maharashtra, there are 3.33 lakhs BPL Senior Citizens but beneficiaries for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, Shravan bal Seva Rajya Nivruti Vetan Yojna: and Rashtriya Bima Yojna are very much less, especially in Urban Areas, due to proper action not being taken by Revenue Department to classify them as BPL or registering them under Sravanbal Yojna. Kindly get some instructions issued to Tehsildars, Municipal Authorities etc and concerned officers to get this done early and properly.(Items vii to xi were represented to Home Minister by name under my letter dt 22-8-10 followed by several reminders but no action is taken even after 9 months!).

(xii)         Web Site for Senior Citizens: There is a necessity of separate Web Site for Senior Citizens of Maharashtra, as present State Web Site is cumbersome and difficult to get information easily.

We request you earnestly to consider these aspects sympathetically and take prompt & proper action very early.

 A line in reply in terms of para 66 of Office Manual will be very much appreciated.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Copy forwarded to:-

1.      Shri R.R.Patil, Minister of Home Affairs, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.

2.      Shri Shivaji Rao  Moghe, Minister of Social Justice, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.

3.      Shri Sunil Tatkare, Minister of Finance, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.

4.      Shri Sachin Mohan Ahir, State Minister of Social Justice, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.

National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011.

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                                                                                             Date: 25-6-11.

Shri K.M.Acharya, Secretary,

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment,

Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Reviewing the National Policy of Older Persons, 1999/ National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011.

It is given to understand by Shri Wasnikji, Hon. Minister during the discussions with Shri R.N.Mital, our President of AISCCON on 9-6-11 that National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011 will be finalized during this month and any suggestions/comments sent before the end of this month shall be considered.

2 . It is observed from Draft Recommendations, as available on Help Age Web Site that the Committee has not given recommendations as required in terms of reference to the Committee, which were as under and has omitted many important provisions of existing NPOP, 99 to the disadvantage of Senior Citizens:

i)        To assess the present status of various issues concerning senior citizens in general, and implementation of NPOP, 1999, in particular, and

ii)      To draft a new National Policy on Older Persons, keeping in view the emerging trends in demographic, socio-economic, technological and other relevant fields.

iii)    To submit the new draft policy to the government by 31 May 2010.

3. Though the present Status of various issues of the Policy, 99 are not brought out, lots of efforts have been put in by Review Committee in making out New Policy. As many important provisions are  omitted, it may be better, if  name of the Policy may continue to be ``Reviewed National Policy for Senior Citizens, 1999`` or , a sentence may be added that NPOP, 99 shall remain effective as a base for this National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011 (NPSC, 11). This will remind all Ministries & all Stake Holders about their failure to implement the Policy for 12 years and make them more sincere & serious towards implementation.

4. The following suggestions on draft submitted by Committee may please be considered:

i) Continuous para number is desirable for easy reference. Draft appears at places like points and not a coherent whole. Many important aspects of existing policy are just omitted.

ii) Focus of New Policy: Good points are brought out but nothing is mentioned as to how this Focus shall be achieved:

a) Promotion & establishment of senior citizens associations is the first item of focus but provisions in the existing policy about NAOP are completely omitted. Provisions from existing Policy may please be added.

b) The thrust of Ageing in place is proposed to be preventive and not on cure. Emphasis in the policy has to be more on providing facilities for cure, as diseases in old age will prevail even after all the preventive efforts.

 C)  Provision of institutional care is proposed to be as a last resort and states are expected to provide assisted living facilities for only abandoned Senior Citizens (10). Whatever be the efforts to survive/revive the joint family system, institutional care facilities will be necessary for all categories and can not be for abandoned category only. Idea of adoption of grand parents by families, having no parents and both, husband & wife going for earning, may provide good relief and reduce necessity of assisted institutional care facilities. Incentives for such adoption may be provided.

d) Some steps to encourage Elder-friendly Society are required to be laid down.

e) Some avenues for providing equal opportunities for participation are required to be provided in policy. Linking BPL Senior Citizens here may not be proper, as they would be struggling for survival and can not be expected to participate in society! 

i)        Areas of intervention: a) Income Security: Provision is made for BPL only and not for APL. Policy must clearly lay down that IGNOAP is to be paid to all poor senior citizens below poverty line(certain income limit) and not to those belonging to BPL families only. Classifying a family as BPL is a complicated method adopted by Ministry of R.D. and has resulted in depriving large number of poor senior citizens, especially in urban areas. There is no necessity of classifying senior citizens as belonging to BPL Family and this meager pension should be given to all senior citizens having income less than a fixed ceiling. This should be laid down in NPSC, 11. Amount being given is a mockery of Human beings and sufficiently higher amount should be laid down in Policy itself. This work should be transferred to Ministry of S J & E.

 b) Public Distribution system also must provide for APL.  

ii)       Health Care: ix) Why Public- Private Partnership for Rural areas only? Provide for Urban areas also. xii) Health Care Fund: In addition to contributions of citizens, let there be mention of contribution by Central & state Governments also.  xx) Appears vague. Have clear provision for subsidy recommended by Shastri Committee & IRDA.

iii)     IV-Housing: Please, add all Housing Boards after `other schemes of the government` in the concluding sentence.

iv)     Para 27: Please, provide for separate coach like handicapped coach in suburban trains justifying that elders are more handicapped in entering & detraining in crowded trains, permitting elders to travel in Ladies Specials by earmarking one coach in such trains, providing at least 3 seats in Ist Class coaches of all suburban trains etc. Provide concessions in fares in suburban trains, buses, taxies, rickshaws, entertainment places, holiday homes of governments etc.

v)      Para 28: Keeping in view of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), PPP etc, provide concessions in rates of residential buildings on purchases as well as on rental from private builders, housing boards etc.

vi)     Productive Ageing: Please have proper provision for participation in various Advisory Committees of Government & Local Bodies and various promotional programmes with or without honorarium.

vii)   Important Provisions of existing Policy,99 appear to have been  omitted:-Paras 47 to 62. ii) Paras 70 & 71. iii) Paras 73, 77 & 78. iv) Paras 90 & 91. V) Paras 95, 97, 99. These may be provided.

viii)Those, who retired before Economy Boom i.e. prior to 1995, got very less Settlement Dues, had less savings due to less earnings etc and get reduced interest on their savings and find difficult to maintain the original or near about standard of living in the present inflation inflicted market. Special treatment to this segment by higher rate of interest or some subsidy may be provided in Policy Statement.

ix)    The following points may please be considered for inclusion in Policy:-

·         In NPS, it may be elaborated as to what Implementation Mechanisms are set and available.

·          In NPS, elaborate as to how National Resource (Senior Citizens) is proposed to be utilized and how reemployability will be brought & ensured.

x)      Add Every Old Age Home will admit & look after physically disabled Senior Citizens and make special arrangements for their movements to toilets etc, as necessary, as most of the existing

OAH refuse to admit such persons & restrict the admission to those, who can move about of their own.

xi)    Make a provision that each Employer, especially all Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings & Corporate Bodies will look after their retired employees in all respects.

xii)  Add something for Reverse Mortgage Loan/Annuity for encouraging Senior Citizens to take advantage of the Scheme.

xiii)Provide for one slot of half an hour at least once a week on specified day & time for each TV Channel and minimum quarter page/a corner every day in all Newspapers for giving latest information/happenings of Senior Citizens.

I enclose copies of some letters on some important aspects to be provided in Policy for better appreciation of the requirements:-

i)                    No need to belong to BPL Family for IGNOAP: Letter dt 1-5-11 to Shri B.K.Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development.

ii)                  Integrated Programme by Local Bodies:            Letter dt 15-4-10 to Shri Mukul Wasnik, Hon Minister of S J & E.

iii)                Need for recognizing existing Associations of Senior Citizens, Separate Web Site & Celebrating World Elder Day etc:                          Letter dt 2-8-10 to Shri Mukul Wasnik, Hon Minister of S J & E.

iv)                Inclusion of all chronic diseases under Sec 80 DDB of Income Tax Act: Letter

dt 26-8-10 to Shri Pranav Mukherji, Finance Minister.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Grievances of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra.

To                                                                                                      Date: 22-8-10.


Shri Raosaheb Patil,

Hon. Home Minister of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.



Dear Raosaheb,



Sub: Grievances of Senior Citizens.



We were happy to note from Newspapers that you are very keen to reach people and interact with them. You have joined Twitter & Face Book also for direct contact & inter action with citizens,. We are proud of your genuine interest in knowing problems of citizens. We, the Senior Citizens would like to have your help in respect of the following issues:-



1. As per Memorandum issued by Home Department under no. kra.STC-1998/667/pra.ka.36/pari.1 dt 25-10-2000, 50% concession in fares for traveling in MSRTC buses is given to all Senior Citizens of 65 years and above. It is experienced by Senior Citizens of Maharashtra as well as other States coming to Maharashtra that Conductors insist on production of Identity Card issued by State of Maharashtra and do not accept other Identity Cards issued by other States or Central Government Departments, PAN cards, Passports etc. Any photo-identity card issued by any Public Authority including local authorities should be sufficient to get this concession. We shall be grateful, if proper instructions with liberal provisions are got issued very early.

2. We would also request you to consider earmarking of more seats for Senior Citizens, as recently done by BEST and to give free or 90% concession to female Senior Citizens, especially widows and above 80 years. Present age limit of 65 for this concession may also be reduced to 60, as all Senior Citizens deserve similar treatment in view of less income after retirement.

3. As per State GR no. 2006/navi-20 dt 12-12-06, free treatment is to be given to all Senior Citizens in all Municipal Hospitals. All Hospitals, except 3 major Hospitals of Nair, KEM & Sion have given in writing that they are giving free treatment to all Senior Citizens. These 3 major Hospitals are defying the State Orders for last 4 years and do not give free treatment to any Senior Citizens nor giving any reply to representations. You may kindly use your good offices and help your Elders.

4. As per Notification in Extraordinary State Gazette dt 25-2-08, all Rickshaws & taxies were allowed to ply in entire MMRDA area but these orders are not yet implemented even after 2 years, resulting in Senior Citizens and all citizens have to walk with luggage/heavy school bags at all check nakas for change over from one side Rickshaws to other side Rickshaws. In Mira Road- Bhayander Area, Rickshaws are not running on meters and they charge exorbitant rates for even short distance e.g. from checknaka to Shrusti area- distance of less than 1.6 km, Rs 40 is charged. Kindly, use your good offices and get these genuine grievances solved.

5. In the recently notified Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act in extraordinary Gazette dt 23-6-10, important provisions of the Central Act,2007 in respect of Medical Support for Senior Citizens (Section 20) and Transfer of property to be void in certain circumstances (Section 23) are omitted. These are very important provisions for Senior Citizens and may kindly be got added.

6. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Delhi has recently liberalized the Scheme of Integrated Programmes and laid down liberal grants for 16 Schemes for benefits of Senior Citizens. All local bodies are required to be instructed to provide these facilities in each Ward for benefit of Senior Citizens of their areas. As NGOs do not have any accommodation, they can not get such grants easily and as such Municipalities may be advised to provide these Schemes on programmed basis.

7. Out of almost 9 lakh Senior Citizens in Maharashtra, there are 3.33 lakhs BPL Senior Citizens but beneficiaries for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension and Rashtriya Bima Yojna are very much less due to proper action not being taken by Revenue Department to classify them as BPL. Kindly get some instructions issued to Tehsildars and concerned officers to get this done early and properly.



Thanking You,

Recognition of All India Organizations of Senior Citizens.

To Date. 2-8-10.


Shri Mukul Wasnikji,

Hon. Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,

Government of India, Shastri Bhavan,

New Delhi-110 001.



Respected Sir,



Sub: Recognition of Associations of Senior Citizens of All-India nature.

In absence of National Association of Older Persons (NAOP) as per para 96 of NPOP, 99, there is absolute necessity for recognizing some All-India Associations Of Senior Citizens for various purposes like making Senior Citizens at grass routes know the policy of the Government for Senior Citizens; making Senior Citizens to know about various circulars/instructions/facilities/grants/celebrations/ Vayoshreshta Sanman Awards rules, forms, last date etc. At present, not a single Association of Senior Citizens gets any information from your Ministry or any other Ministry dealing with matters pertaining to Senior Citizens.



Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions, which is a Nodal Ministry for all Pensioners of all departments & States also, has recognized as many as 78 Associations of Pensioners and these are supplied with all circulars and are allowed to represent the grievances of pensioners. Many of them have been provided with Pension Portals-Hard wear, Soft wear & Training at the cost of Ministry. The Nodal Ministry has established SCOVA, which meets regularly. Their Web Site provides direct contact with them by Pensioners & Associations for their grievances.



Our Nodal Ministry has not recognized a single Association or sending a single circular to any of the Associations. Our Web Site is also not kept up to date and most of the time difficult to get connected for a particular subject. Though portion of Senior Citizens is shown in margin as a separate entity, it does not give the required information. More over many Senior Citizens do not have access to computers. All major Associations of Senior Citizens are publishing monthly magazines/news letters and having Web Sites and as such recognizing them and sending circulars etc to them will result in the information reaching to many Senior Citizens. It may also be examined whether Nodal Ministry can have separate Web Site for Senior Citizens and till, it is done, whether these Associations can be provided direct access to Web Site of Nodal Ministry-Senior Citizens Portal by providing them Hard Wear, Soft Wear, Training etc, as done by Pension Ministry. It is absolutely necessary that all such major Associations are immediately recognized by Nodal Ministry and instructions issued to all concerned Ministries including Pension Ministry (as these Associations deal with Pensioners also) to send copies of all matters pertaining to Senior Citizens. As most of the States/UTs have not constituted State Councils, instructions may be issued for recognizing State-level Associations and send them all circulars with facility of representation. Hardly any State/UT bothers about Senior Citizens and do not celebrate International Day Of Older Persons on 1st October or International Day of Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15th June nor give any awards in appreciation of good services to Society & Elders to deserving sr citizens.



This action need not wait for formation of New Policy and may be taken very early. An appropriate reply in terms of para 66 of Office Procedure Manual reproduced below may kindly be given at an early date. Previous letter dt 18-12-09 on NPOP is also not yet replied.



Extracts of para 66 of the Manual of Office Procedure.



66. Prompt response to letters received-

(1) Each communication received from the Member of Parliament, a member of public, a recognized Association or a Public Body will be acknowledged within 15 days, followed by a reply within 15 days of acknowledge sent.

(2) Where (i) delay is anticipated in sending final reply or (ii) information has to be obtained from another Ministry or another office, an interim reply will be sent within a month (from date of receipt) indicating the possible date by which a final reply can be given.

(3) If any such communication is wrongly addressed to a department, it will be transferred promptly (within a week) to appropriate department under intimation to the party concerned.

(4) Where the request of a member of Public can not be acceded to for any reason, reasons for not acceding to such a request should be given.

(5) As far as possible, requests from members of Public, should be looked at from the user’s point of view and not solely from the point of view of what may be administratively convenient.



Thanking You,

World Elder Abuse Day- Abuse by Governments.

World Elder Abuse Day- Abuse by Governments. M.V.Ruparelia.




!5-6-2010 is the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day declared by UNO. 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, loss of productivity, isolation & despair. Confronting & reducing Elder Abuse requires a multisectoral & multidisciplinary approach.



Our Government had declared a comprehensive National Policy of Older Persons in 1999 with clear directive in each of 98 paras of the Policy that provision made in each para will be done and no where words ``shall or may be done`` were used. Para 93 of the Policy clearly lays down that each Ministry will prepare Action Plan for the Year as well as for Five Year and fix Targets and Time Schedules to take steps to ensure flow of all benefits to older persons. Even Chief Information Commissioner, Delhi vide his orders dt 27-6-08 vide his no. 2701/Senior Citizens/(A)/2008 in Case no. C I C/MA/A/ 2008/00645 to Ministry Of Social Justice & Empowerment has taken note of non-implementation and given clear directive to outline the plan of action in a time bound manner for the larger benefit of older persons. Not implementing this Policy by Central & State Governments and other stake holders even after 11 years is nothing but Deplorable Abuse of Elders in India in light of INPEA`s above definition! UNO has also started taking stock of implementation by various Governments of their directives given in their United Nation International Plan of Action adopted by all Countries in Madrid in 2002.



President of India in her Opening Address to both the Houses of Parliament had promised that

an area of major focus for her Government would be reform of governance for effective delivery of public services. Even after 61 years of Independence, We have not been able to create an Efficient Machinery to deal with implementation of Government Orders; Grievances/Representations of our Citizens. Government has included the Reforming of BABUDOM in their Current Agenda for effective deliverance of Public Service but nothing much is achieved. As per recent Press Reports, PERC (Political Economic Risk Consultancy) has classified our Country as Worst Red Tape Country in Asia.



Ministry of Social Justice entrusted to implement this Policy feels that Policy is for guidance only! All other Ministries believe that they are not concerned with Policy and only Nodal Ministry has to deal with the subject!! Only 6 States & UT’s, out of 35 States and UT’s, have so far accepted [not implemented!] this Policy,99. Remaining 29 States/UTs have not even taken cognizance of it. Even out of the 6 States/UTs, none has really implemented it to any considerable level!!



The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is implemented partially in only three States in three years! Senior Citizens in 32 States and UT’s are still deprived of its benefits.



No State/UT has made any progress for providing Old Age Homes in each District, as mandated in MWPS Act, 2007.



Today the poorest among poor are Senior Citizens. The worst sufferers are the very old that is 65+ belonging to BPL category. 70% of them live in villages and survive by doing physical labour. They are miserable because they are unable to do hard work because of age related disabilities. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme assured them minimum of Rs 400 per month pension which would have made their last few years little comfortable, but it was not to be. Out of 35 States and UT’s, 24 have not bothered to look at this scheme. Among 11 which claim to have implemented it, it has become an instrument for extending political favour and majority of eligible are excluded. In Andhra Pradesh only Rs 200/- are paid and that too through self appointed community leaders and Panchayats, who pass on only Rs 100/- to Rs 150/-. Our random surveys showed that more than 50% of elders were deprived even of this.





Recently, three budgets were announced, Railway, Central and States but no Minister even mentioned about existence of 9 crore Senior Citizens. None of their demands was conceded though all the demands were simple and were driven only by considerations of social justice.



There is no Health or Social Security in most of the States/UTs. Though we have shown on paper that the cost of covering the 9% Senior Citizens under Health Insurance on the lines of Aarogyasri in AP will be negligible compared to other cost items, yet no action is taken on this proposal.

As on now only 5 out of 35 States & UTs [28 States + 7 UT’s] provide some sort of health cover to BPL category; the APL Senior Citizens are still left high and dry without any health security, whatsoever.



Our repeated demand for 50% concession in railways [for male Senior Citizens] has been ignored every time. Special suburban trains are run for ladies & separate coach is provided for handicaps but nothing is being done to provide separate coach for Senior Citizens. Similarly 50% concession in State Bus services has been turned down by all States except a very few progressive States. Grant of 2% higher interest rates on our savings was not even considered.



The Senior Citizens were ignored not for the first time. It was fourth time in a row. We have been facing this type of neglect not only in Budgets but even in the redressal of our legitimate concerns and the execution of our welfare schemes. Extremely poor response in most of the States to execution of various welfare schemes is an indication of their indifference towards us.



Frustrated Senior Citizens in all over the country have decided to observe 16th August,10 as National Protest Day to highlight their grievances to the Governments, World Organizations, Society & Media and request on this World Elder Abuse Day to stop our Abuse & look towards us as their Elders, who have worked hard to get Freedom, Present Prosperity & Progress.

Help Line for Senior Citizens in Mumbai.

Help within TWO MINUTES for Senior Citizens!          M.V.Ruparelia.






In city like Mumbai, where very large number of Senior Citizens resides alone at different places and where crime rate is quite high, it will be surprising to know that Mumbai Police reaches for help of all kinds to Senior Citizens within 2 minutes or maximum 7 minutes of your call on their Help Line 1090 or 100. This is what Shri D.Sivanandan, Mumbai Police Commissioner said in the function for inauguration of One more Help Line 1298 for Mumbai`s Senior Citizens by Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust on 10-5-10. Mumbai Police has provided 690 Motor Cycles of high speed and 400 vehicles fitted with GIS GPS facility with efficient net work of telephones etc, which enable police to reach the spot within 2 minutes and maximum 7 minutes. Senior Citizens can also call Police for help for any such emergencies like:

i) When they urgently require help of Medical Professionals,

ii) When they face situations that involve physical violence or pose a risk to their lives from outsiders or family members,

iii) When they need counseling to quell their feeling of despair & loneliness.



Senior Citizens should get themselves registered on line on www.hamarisuraksha.com or www.mumbaipolice.org or on 1090 or by going to nearer Police Stations. All personal information will be kept confidential. They should also get their domestic servants, security guards of the Society, Milk/Newspaper suppliers etc also registered for better & quicker service by Police. Such registration is not compulsory for use of toll-free Help Line 1090 or 100. Help Line is a special service for Senior Citizens that will take care of physical & mental care of all Senior Citizens at all time for 24/7.



New Help Line 1298 by Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust is also for 24/7. On receipt of call, they will contact the concerned NGO working for a particular cause and get early contact for needful. They will also pursue the matter further with the caller after 7 days to find out whether the work is done or not. They have several NGOs on board to provide Counseling, Legal Advice, Information for Old Age Homes and Services available for Senior Citizens. They have also 51 Ambulances in Mumbai, which are free in accident cases & for those in distress. In other cases, charges are levied and in cases of going to Government Hospitals, 50% less are charged.



There are many other Help Lines for Senior Citizens as under:-

(Courtesy: Just Dial Services)



Dignity Foundation.


Contact Person: Ms Julie

Address: Dignity Companionship, BMC School Compound, Opp Lamington Road Police Station, Topivala Lane, Grant Road, Mumbai - 400007

Contact Nos.: +91-(22)-61381111, 61381100

Website: www.dignityfoundation.com, www.hamarisuraksha.com




Helpage India


Contact Person: Mr Prakash Borgaonkar.

Address: 34-A-44 Guruchhaya Building, Manish Nagar, Jaiprakash Road, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400053

Contact Nos.: +91-(22)-26370754, 26370740

Fax: +91-(22)-26370754

Email: mumbai@helpageindia.org, helpage@bom3.vsnl.net.in


Website: www.helpageindia.org








Silver Inning Foundation


Contact Person: Mr Sailesh Mishra(Founder President)

Address: Shop No. 10, Bldg.No. J -47/48, Poonam Sagar Complex, Behind Allahabad Bank, Mira Road, Thane - 401107

Mobile: 9987104233, 9819819145, 9029000091

Email: sailesh@silverinnings.com, info@silverinnings.com, silverinnings@gmail.com


Website: www.silverinnings.com

Formation of National Association of Older Persons.

Formation of National Association of Older Persons (NAOP) M.V.Ruparelia.



Para 96 of National Policy of Older Persons (NPOP) reads as under:-



96. An autonomous registered National Association of Older Persons (NAOPS) will be

established to mobilize senior citizens, articulate their interests, promote and undertake

programmes and activities for their well being and to advise the Government on all matters relating to the Older Persons. The Association will have National, State and District level offices and will choose its own bearers. The Government will provide financial support to establish the

National and State level offices while the District level offices will be established by the

Association from its own resources which may be raised through Membership, subscriptions,

donations and other admissible means. The Government will also provide financial assistance to

the National and State level offices to cover both recurring as well as non-recurring

administrative costs for a period of 15 years and thereafter the Association is to be expected to

be financially self-sufficient.



No action was taken in 11 years by Government to establish such an Association, resulting in non-implementation of NPOP fully, resulting in abuse of Senior Citizens of the Country by Government and appointing Review Committee now. Review Committee in their Meeting of 19-3-10 has observed as under:-



The need for National Association of Older Persons was expressed. There should be serious deliberation on implementation.

The Committee observed the following as one of the gaps:-

f) An autonomous registered Association of Older Persons was to be set up to mobilize senior citizens, articulate their interests, promote and undertake programmes etc for their well-being and to advise Government on all matters relating to older persons. Govt. was to provide financial support for 15 years.



It would be observed from above that Formation of National Association is absolutely necessary and must be established as soon as possible. Let us discuss how to establish such Association with elected/chosen office bearers at National level. We have different types of Organizations working for welfare of Senior Citizens- i) Organizations like Help Age India, Dignity Foundation, Harmony Foundation & likes doing very good work for Senior Citizens having their own management/trust etc with no elected office bearers from amongst Senior Citizens ii) All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON) having elected office bearers and having affiliated Associations of Senior Citizens in 20 states & 3 UTs and likes. There may be similar Confederations like that of Pensioners and other Senior Citizens. All have to come under One Umbrella for forming National Association acceptable to Government & all sections of Senior Citizens.



Organizations like Help Age India, Dignity Foundation, Harmony Foundation and likes can be given special status & representation of Advisors, Patrons etc and National Association from amongst the existing Associations of Senior Citizens should be formed on top-priority basis.



National Alliance of Senior Citizens Associations of India (NASCAI)was formed on 13-11-07 along with All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON), INFA, Mumbai, All India Association of Senior Citizens Forum (Respect Age), Delhi; Forum for Senior Citizens of India, Goa; Indian Retired Persons Organizations, Calcutta; RREWA, Gurgaon and many State Level Federations like:

FAPSCO, FESCOM, Federation of Senior Citizens Forums of Karnataka, TN federation under formation, a parallel Federation to FAPSCO under formation, etc. These organizations represent eleven States. All National level Organizations including Pensioners` Confederation can come forward to join and strengthen NASCAI as one Umbrella Organization of all Senior Citizens of the country for proper and strong representation to the concerned authorities. The main tasks of NASCAI are:



To promote, establish and foster senior citizen groups throughout India

To assist in developing knowledge of those senior citizens associations, which must learn to remain strong advocates of the well-being of aging elderly

To educate senior citizens and political parties who are or might become interested in these concerns

To provide opportunities for seniors to utilize their volunteer and leadership skills for the benefit of all persons

To assist member organizations and others to apply for grants and other funds

To facilitate resource sharing among seniors' organizations

To act as an advocate on behalf of member organizations on request



Let all Organizations of Senior Citizens deliberate on this necessity of having NAOP immediately and give their views and join NASCAI.



Contact Details of NASCAI: Shri K.R.Gangadharan, National Co-Coordinator, NASCAI, Heritage Hospital, 6-3-907/2 Somajiguda, Hyderabad (A.P.) - 500082.



Each State/UT can start the process of establishing State Association of Older Persons (SAOP) by uniting all Federations/Associations under One Umbrella in terms of above provisions, keeping in view matters relevant to welfare of Senior Citizens of their area. Similarly, big cities/towns having more than one organization should also start bringing all under One Umbrella. This will facilitate easy & smooth formation of NASCAI. Such One Umbrella Organizations at all levels shall be for purpose of mobilizing senior citizens, articulate their interests, promote and undertake programmes and activities for their well being and to advise the Government on all matters relating to the Older Persons and if necessary, allow all organizations joining to continue their independent existence, if they feel so and desire to continue their activities.