Senior Citizens Solidarity Day-16-8-11.

Website: http://scnsd.posterous.com/ Email: mvrup@yahoo.co.in  Phone: M 09821732855.

M.V.Ruparelia, A 503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East), Dist. Thane-Maharashtra-401107.

MEMRANDUM TO OUR

BELOVED PRIME MINISTER Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH

BY THE SENIOR CITIZENS OF INDIA

                                                                                   Date: 12^th August, 2011

To                                                                                   

Dr. Man Mohan Singh,

Honorable Prime Minister of India,

South Block, New Delhi – 110001.

Mananivar Pradhan Mantri Ji,

Sub:  Memorandum for Senior Citizens Issues.

Ref: Senior Citizens National Solidarity Day: 16^th August 2011.

This is an appeal on behalf of 10 crores Elder Persons (60 +), majority of whom are indigent, underfed, insecure and unorganized, craving for your immediate attention and action.

2. We whole heartedly appreciate the following recent decisions of the Government and request YOU to get them implemented by INERT & LETHARGIC STATES & UTs, which have not even adopted National Policy, 99 even after 12 full years:-

i) Paying Rs 200 p.m. (though this amount is a mockery of Human beings) to BPL Senior Citizens of 60 to 65 years & Rs 500 to BPL of 80 & above.

ii) Giving the advantage of Income Tax Exemption limit to Senior Citizens of 60 to 65 years and increasing this limit to Rs 5 lakhs for those of 80 & above.

iii) Notifying the National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE).

3. You may be aware that United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia Specific (ESCAP), Bangkok is watching the progress of action taken by the Governments  for Welfare of Elders and has requested all member countries to advise them by 30-6-11, the progress report for 19 Questionnaire in terms of The Economic and Social Council resolution 2010/14 for their Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA REVIEW), 2011. This process calls for Governments to consult with Civil Society9Organizations of Senior Citizens) on how their Policies & Programmes are being implemented. The United Nations believes that feedback from the grassroots level is the only way for successful policies to be made. You will be surprised to know that no action is taken on various provisions made in NPOP,99 by various Central Ministries and STATE GOVERNMENTS/UTs, even after 12 YEARS, as would be seen from details given in enclosed statement. A Review Committee was nominated by Ministry of S.J.& E. on 28-1-10 for assessing the present status of various issues concerning Senior Citizens in general; implementation of NPOP, 99 in particular and drafting a New Policy by 31-5-10. The Committee gave its Draft Policy only on 30-3-11 to Minister of S.J.& E.after 14 months during which time,  no action was taken by any Ministry/State/UTs on existing Policy and may not take till New Policy is finalized & notified. The Draft has now been put on their Web Site for comments from Citizens by 30-9-11( 6 months wait again)  after which this may be finalized and declared. It is given in writing by various Ministries under RTI that their representatives attending the Meetings of Review Committee have not given any notes of proceedings for any action required nor they have received any Draft Policy as in May,11 and even the dealing Directorate of Ministry of S.J.& E. has not received any Information/Minutes from the Member Secretary of the Review Committee, who was  Joint Secretary of their Ministry for proceedings from time to time. In view of such position, your directive to the Nodal Ministry & other Ministries to give due importance and target for the finalization and implementation of the New Policy is solicited.

4. The First & Foremost Action from your side is requested to establish a separate full fledged Department exclusively for Senior Citizens, as the present Directorate dealing with various subjects is not able to devote any time to the issues pertaining to Senior Citizens. You will be surprised to know that Inter-Ministerial Committee Meetings for coordinating action by various Ministries are not held regularly even once in a year and no follow up is done; Meetings of NCOP with representatives of Senior Citizens are also not held, as required and there is absolutely no control/coordination with States/UTs and other Stake Holders like Media, Charitable Trusts, Private Hospitals; NGOs, Corporate Sector etc by Nodal Directorate and concerned Ministries. Position at State/UTs level is still worst, as no Directorate/Nodal officers are exclusively nominated. Separate Directorates at Central & State/UTs level may please be given immediately.

5. Next important issue requiring your directive is about formation of Autonomous National Association of Senior Citizens as per para 97 of NPOP,99 or to recognize the existing Associations for negotiations & sending them various directives from all Ministries for matters affecting Senior Citizens at Central; State/UTs & Municipal/Panchayat levels for information of Senior Citizens. To-day, there is no machinery to listen the voices of Senior Citizens or to get information of what Government is doing for their Elders. Even the Nodal Ministry has no touch with any of the existing Registered Associations of Senior Citizens and none from Registered Associations was nominated on Review Committee. Separate Web Site for Senior Citizens is also absolutely necessary and may be provided.

6. You will agree with the fact that elders have waited for years on end to get attention from our rulers but all that we have received is indifference towards our issues. While we are keen to play our role in the development of our Country and the activities for the welfare of community, we also demand that our concerns must be addressed.

7.      Last year on 16^th August 2010, we (JAC) had organized All India ‘Senior Citizens National PROTEST Day’. Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens was formed by 23 Organization/ Federations, Associations, NGOs working for Senior Citizens to protest against continuous neglect and ignorance by the central & state government. This year too on 16^th August,2011, we have planned ‘ Senior Citizens National Solidarity Day ‘ to once again highlight our issues and to demand concrete action from Central and State governments.

8.      We request the Government to consider the following pending demands in addition to action on various paras of NPOP, 99 as per Statement enclosed urgently and concede them:

i)             Implementation of NPOP 1999 / National Policy on Senior Citizens  (NPOS) 2011 by central and all states in India by fixing a time bound Action Plan in terms of Para 93 of NPOP,99 & Chief Information Commissioner, Delhi `s 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 to outline the plan of action in a time bound manner for the larger benefit of older persons. It would not be out of place to mention that even in most progressive State like Maharashtra, National Policy is not yet adopted or notified and State Council not constituted even after 12 years.

ii)            Implementation of ‘The Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens ACT -2007’: The Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens ACT -2007 has not been implemented so far by most of the States. Many States have only notified it but Act has not been operationalised. Generally rules under it have not been formed. Awareness about it is lacking both in public and administration. Details of Tribunals should be given wide publicity in local Newspapers & TV Channels. Immediate steps should be taken to Pan India implementation of the act for benefit of senior citizens.

iii)           National Commission for Senior Citizens:

As the Longevity is increasing, there is dramatic rise in number of people above 60 yrs. Today,  there are around 100 million Senior Citizens in India . To address various issues and grievances, especially elder abuse cases, a National Commission for Senior Citizens on the lines of Human Right and Women commission is requested with representation form NGOs and Senior Citizens Organizations.

iv)           To declare Comprehensive National policy for Dementia and Alzheimer’s

v)            Inclusion of Ageing in Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR)  and reservation of minimum 10% of CSR budget for welfare projects of Senior Citizens

vi)           Specialized Courses in Social Science & Medical Colleges in Gerontology and Geriatrics respectively.

vii)         Fast track Courts for speedy, time-bound disposal of pending cases of Senior Citizens in all Courts.

viii)        Uniform Old Age Pension Scheme for all Senior Citizens in BPL in all states

ix)           Fast Implementation of National Programme for the Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE) started in February 2011

x)             Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Senior Citizens.

xi)           One free attendant to be permitted to accompany the oldest old Senior Citizens [80+]:
The 80+ Senior Citizens usually suffer with age related physical disabilities and require the help of an attendant. We request that an attendant may be permitted to travel free with them to assist and help them. Similar facility is provided to the physically disabled and the Freedom Fighters.

xii)         Provision of separate Compartment for Senior Citizens in local trains:
The local trains are often so much crowded that it becomes impossible for Senior Citizens to get into the train. In view of the same problem, separate compartments are provided for the disabled and women. We request that same facility may be provided exclusively for Senior Citizens also.
Though in Mumbai suburban  trains restricted time reservation [10 PM to 5 PM] is available, yet it is not very useful because it is not possible to get in from the common entrance. Therefore, we request that a small compartment of the same capacity of 14 seats reserved at present reserved for senior citizens in 2 compartments should be provided for the whole day with reservation of some seats in all First Class Coaches.

xiii)        Provision of escalators on important railway stations and ramps on others:
In one of the previous Rail Budget, there was an announcement that escalators/lifts would be installed on stations but this facility is yet to be installed at most of the stations. It is often a torture for senior Citizens to climb up the platform bridges with luggage. Provision of this facility will be a great boon for the Senior Citizens, elderly women, the sick and the disabled. Where escalators cannot be installed, provision of ramps may be considered. We request you to seek for escalators/ lifts/ramps on all Railway Stations.

xiv)        50% Concession to all Senior Citizens in Railways:
Female Sr. Citizens (50+) have been availing 50% concession in rail fares for the last 2-3 years, while the male Senior Citizens have been given at 40% in this budget. We request you to please remove the differentiation of gender and grant 50% concession to all Senior Citizens [60+]. We also request you to get a small separate coach in Suburban Trains in all Metro Cities and reservation of some seats in First Class Coaches of Suburban & Metro Trains.

xv)         District hospitals/PHC should have a special Geriatric Ward with latest facilities.

xvi)        In NRHM /NUHM special provision for Senior Citizens

xvii)       Decent old age homes with Public-Private mode for the benefit of seniors at reasonable charges should be promoted.

xviii)     Free Home for Destitute should be established in all districts.

xix)        Special attention/schemes/programmes for Rural Elderly, Tribal Elderly, Transgender Elderly, Destitute Elderly, Women Elderly and 80 + population.

9.      We hope your good office will take due note of our above said demands and also seek your intervention with regards to immediate implementation of comprehensive NPOP by Central government and State government/UTs & Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (as passed by Loksabha in Dec 2007) in Maharashtra and Pan India.

10.  Your positive and proactive approach will help our Elderly to live in peace, security and dignity.

11.  We shall be thankful, if reply is given early in terms of Para 66 of Office Manual.(Extract on last page of the Statement attached)

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Copy Forwarded to Shri Pranab Mukherji, Minister of Finance, North Block, New Delhi-110001.

Copy Forwarded to Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

Copy Forwarded to Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of Health & F.W., NirmanBhawan, New Delhi, 110011.

Copy Forwarded to Shri Dinesh Trivedi, Minister of Railways, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001.

Copy Forwarded to Shri  Kapil Sibal,  Minister for Education, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

Copy Forwarded to Shri P. Chidambaram, Minister for Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi-110001.

Copy Forwarded to Kum. Selja, Minister of Housing, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi-110008.

Copy Forwarded to Shri Prithvi Raj Chahuan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai- 400032

7.      They are requested to give reply early in terms of Para 66 of Office Manual for items pertaining to them. .(Extract on last page of the Statement attached)

Statement showing Details of Action yet to be taken on Various Paras of NPOP,99 by various Ministries, even after 12 Years, though Each Ministry/Stake Holder is required to implement all aspects concerning them as per Para 93 of NPOP,99:

Ministry Of Finance: Paras 24 to 32, 36, 63 & 93.

1.      Para 24: Different income segments for some level of income security in old age are not decided so far. Classifying BPL Senior Citizens as per 13 parameters fixed By Rural Ministry for their requirements should not be applied for meager payment of Pension of Rs 200. Level of income for all categories of Senior Citizens viz BPL, APL and effluents may be decided, keeping in view GDP & Concessions to be given.

2.      Para 25: Rate of monthly Pension not revised at intervals to deflate the inflation with periodical increase as per Dearness Index.

3.      Para 27:  The base of pension coverage has not been expanded for those above BPL.

4.    Para 28: Taxation Policies have not been liberalized to cover exemption for Medical & Nursing Care of Elderly nor for Transport & Support Service needed at home. Sec 80 DDB provides rebate for treatment for very rare & very serious prescribed diseases. These prescribed diseases do not include present life-style chronic diseases like heart problems, hyper tension; diabetes, mental disease like Parkinson, Alzheimer’s, Dementia etc  - All these should be included. As all Senior Citizens are suffering from some chronic ailment or other due to ageing, this provision should apply to all medical expenses and not restricted to present prescribed rare diseases only. As medical treatment is very costly, this limit of 60000 should separately apply to self and dependent spouse. As ailments due to ageing are beyond control of Senior Citizens, this is a disability and all provisions for Disability and Handicapped may also be applied to Senior Citizens. Govt should exempt expenditure incurred by children/relative for Senior citizens healthcare – insurance, medicines, surgery, diagnostics etc for diseases brought out above from Income Tax.

5.       No tax relief is given to Sons/Daughters for co-residing and spending on Health Care of Parents. The exemption limit for Senior citizens has been marginally raised by 10,000 from the current Rs2.4 lakh to Rs2.5 lakh.  It should be raised to minimum 5 lakh.

6.      Para 29: Long Term Saving Instruments with higher rate of interest to reduce likely erosion of purchasing power of Senior Citizens are not created. For financial protection to Elderly Community in this era of Soft Interest Regime, 9% Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme was introduced in August. 2004 through the Budget announcements. During the intervening periods, there has been huge increase in cost of living with the result that 90% of Sr. Citizens, who, sans pension benefits, have to survive on interest returns on their investments of meagre savings, have been experiencing innumerable difficulties in the maintenance of their livelihood. Rate of interest of this Scheme is not increased, though all Banks have raised the rate of interest on fixed deposits much above 9%. There is an imperative need to extend them adequate financial protection by modifying and enriching the Scheme as 11% Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme. We therefore, reiterate that the interest rate of the Scheme should be increased to 11% or more and it be continued with new arrangements for payment before maturity within one year. Higher 2% rate of interest on Term Deposits : Although all Banks were advised by R.B.I. in April 2001, to pay half to one percent additional interest on term deposits, no Bank is paying one percent additional interest and trying to comply with R.B.I. directives within the range of half percent additional interest. In fact even 1% higher interest is not adequate to provide the desired protection to Senior Citizens and it is requested that there should be provision of additional 2% or more interest on their term deposits to reduce likely erosion of purchasing power. The benefit of additional interests should be on all types of deposits to fulfill the requirements of financial protection to Senior Citizens.

7.      Para 31: No action to create income-generating activities for Senior Citizens is taken. Age related discriminations for credit marketing, loans for various purposes etc are not removed.

8.    Para 36: No action is taken to provide health insurance to Senior Citizens of different income groups. K. S. Sastry Committee (appointed in Nov 07 to address the problems of Health Insurance for the Sr Citizens) gave its recommendations to Finance Ministry on 26-5-08. IRDA gave their final recommendations on 25-5-09 but no action is taken by Finance Ministry to give effect to these recommendations. Though mandated in para 36 of NPOP,99, no relief is given for Health Insurance so far. We find that mandatory community Health Insurance scheme will be the most economical and satisfactory solution of this problem. It is suggested that either improved Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna [RSBY] or Aarogyasri type [of Andhra Pradesh] scheme should be launched in the Country covering both BPL and APL population.

9.      Para 63: Welfare Fund for Senior Citizens is not yet set up.

10.  Para 93: No action plans are being prepared nor any Annual Progress Reports are prepared. No machinery is laid down to facilitate budgetary provisions required for implementation of entire NPOP, 99 from year to year. Minimum 10% of total Budget Provision for Welfare Works for various sections of Society should be earmarked and allotted for Welfare of Senior Citizens.

11.  Tax deduction at source [TDS] : It is a fact that Sr. Citizens are often put to lot of mental stress and confusion as they are required to approach often repeatedly Income Tax offices for refund of tax deducted at source despite their furnishing “H” form to the concerned authorities/Banks who still deduct that through inadvertence and oversight. It is therefore suggested for exclusion of Senior Citizens Community from purview of TAX Deduction at Source. Under such arrangement, the taxpaying Sr. Citizens would obviously include the interest amount in their taxable incomes.

Ministry Of Health & F.W. : Paras 33 to 47:

12.  Very strict & disciplined Monitoring Machinery to get various provisions of ambitious NPHCE should be created. Continuous reiterating of instructions & chasing will help early implementation.

13.  Para 34: The goal of NPOP, 99 is to provide affordable health services, very heavily subsidized for the poor & graded system for other Senior Citizens. Action to provide subsidy and framing rules for that has to be initiated by Health Ministry and not left to others. For providing judicious mix of Public Health Services, health insurance etc, Health Ministry has to pursue with other Ministries, Non Profit Organizations, Trusts, Charities, Private Sector for Health Benefits to Senior Citizens. No instructions are ever issued to NGOs, Trusts, Charities, Private Sector Hospitals, States/UTs etc, resulting in non-implementation of these paras of the Policy. Para 93 of the Policy clearly lays down that each Ministry has to implement each aspect pertaining to them and Nodal Ministry is to coordinate only and can not be expected to issue your aspects with others.

14.  Para 36: Health Insurance is also an aspect of Health Ministry and requires to be chased & got implemented by sincere & continuous pursuing with various Stake Holders.

15.  Para 37to 39, 41,: These aspects also need issuing of instructions, forming rules/procedure for giving grants etc in coordination with the concerned Ministries/Departments.

16.  Para 40: Medical Colleges etc are required to be advised by Health Ministry, though Colleges may be under Education Department. Health Ministry is the Guardian/Father Figure of Senior Citizens for all aspects of Health requirements. Each aspect laid down in this para is very important and sincere efforts are requested.

17.  Paras 41 to 44: It is only Health Ministry, which can get these provisions implemented, even by pursuing with other concerned Stake Holders.

18.  Para 45: Action in coordination with Ministry of Education, Media & Private Sector has to be initiated by Health Ministry and provisions of this para got implemented.

19.  Para 46: Here also, Health Ministry has to ensure that proper provisions are made in National Mental Health Programme for Senior Citizens and implemented in time bound schedule.

Ministry Of Housing: Paras 48 to 54.

20.   Para 48 to 54: No action appears to have been taken nor any instructions issued on any of the provisions of these paras.                            Ministry Of Education: Paras 55 to 58:

21.         Para 55 to 58: No action appears to have been taken nor any instructions issued on any of the provisions of these paras.

     Ministry Of Social Justice & Empowerment: Paras  24,25, 27, 59 to 64, 68 to 98.

22.   Para 24, 25 & 27: There is no necessity of classifying BPL Senior Citizens as per 13 parameters of Rural Ministry for simple purpose of paying meager Pension. This work should be taken over by Ministry of S.J.& E. and different income segments for some level of income security in old age got decided in consultation with Ministry of Finance as laid down in para 24 of Policy.

23.  Para 59: No action is taken to identify more vulnerable and those staying without family support etc. This action is very important and may please be got done on priority basis for providing the needed welfare services.

24.  Para 60 to 62 & 64: No action is taken to communicate with voluntary organizations, NGOs, Private Sector etc  and no scheme to assist and give grants-in-aid etc to such organizations is yet formulated, as done for 16 schemes under Integrated Programme.

25.  Para 63: Though Welfare Fund is to be created by Ministry of Finance, Nodal Ministry must pursue this matter vigorously and get Welfare Fund set up for various purposes.

26.  Paras 68 & 69: No specific instructions are issued by Nodal Ministry to all concerned Departments and as such many have not implemented these instructions e.g. Banks, many Hospitals, most of Post Offices, Private & Public Organizations, where there are big ques for making monthly payments for electricity, telephone bills etc. Such instructions may please be issued & reiterated periodically.

27.  Para 71: No action is taken to ensure that information of all Stake Holders including States/UTs is included 7 updated periodically in Web Site of Nodal Ministry. There is a need for Separate Web Site for Senior Citizens.

28.  Paras 72 to 77: No action is taken to communicate with any NGOs, Trusts, Charities, Trade Unions, Professional Bodies etc for any of these provisions nor policy decided to give grant-in aid etc to such important Stake Holders, though issuing instructions do not require any huge funds. This may be done now very early.

29.  Para 78 & 79: No action is taken on these very important provisions even after 12 years. This may be expedite now.

30.  Paras 80 to 87: No action is taken. Please, expedite the action in consultation with concerned Ministries & Media and issue comprehensive instructions to all concerned Stake Holders very early.

31.  Para 88-89: No communication is made either by Nodal Ministry or Ministry of Information & Broadcasting with Media for these provisions. Kindly, pursue the implementation of these provisions and stress on Media to give some space regularly/periodically in all Newspapers & ½ hour slot in TV Media every Week or periodically for various aspects of life of Senior Citizens.

32.  Para 90: Absolutely no action is taken by Nodal Ministry to ensure that various features of Policy remain in constant Public Focus. Even advertisements twice in a year on Ist Oct for World Elders` Day and 15^th June on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day are forgotten!! No State/UT also bother about any aspects of Policy and do not give any advertisements for public focus!!

33.  Para 91: No efforts have been made by Nodal Ministry to collaborate with Organizations of Senior Citizens, even though represented to recognize the registered associations of senior citizens for continuous dialogue and keeping them informed about good work done by government for welfare of senior citizens!! This may be looked in to sincerely & seriously and provisions implemented early. This does not require any Budget Provisions!!

34.  Para 92: No bureau of Senior Citizens is set up. Meetings of NCOP & Inter-Ministerial Committees are held regularly to achieve implementation of any provisions of the Policy!! There is absolutely no coordination with State/UTs either for implementation or for monitoring!!

35.  Para 93: Factual position as per information received under RTI is that no Ministry prepares Five Year or Annual Plans. This is not done by Nodal Ministry also regularly, no targets are ever fixed, responsibility never fixed or even thought of and not got implemented by Stake Holders.

36.  Para 95: Nothing is known about such training!

37.  Para 96: Detailed working with number of meeting to be held and machinery to implement the decisions of such Council may be laid down in detail.

38.  Para 97: No action even to initiate such NAOP at any level in 12 years nor existing Associations are recognized and given some status for negotiations etc.

39.  Para 98: No instructions are issued for this by Nodal Ministry or any State/UTs.

Ministry Of Home Affairs: Paras 65 to 67:

40.         Though action is taken & provisions made in Maintenance Act, 2007, it is necessary to have Monitoring Cell and periodical reiteration of all provisions, as safety of Senior Citizens is very important.

Ministry Of Railways: Various Paras:

41.          Para 35: To expand the health services in various Railways including other independent Units for preventive, rehabilitative and geriatric care facilities for retired employees.

42.   Para 39: To issue instructions for separate ques for retired employees and to ensure its implementation by monitoring and/or reiterating instructions. Geriatric wards are to be set up in all Railway Hospitals.

43.   Para 40, 41, 86: To issue instructions for training of Railway Doctors & other Para-Medical staff for proper care and respect for retired employees. To provide Mobile care and hospice care for bed ridden employees in various hospitals.

44.    Para 42 & 43: To issue instructional/guidance/nutritional material on self care of retired employees.

45.    Para 44 & 45: To issue instructions to promote healthy ageing amongst the retired staff. To issue instructions to treat their retired elders properly and to educate them for healthy ageing and to provide facilities of yoga, meditation etc. There should be proper education programmes for retired staff and they should be taken on Advisory Committees to bring out difficulties faced by them in getting treatment, keeping in view the spirit of NPOP, 99. Repeated orientation training and instructions to treat retired staff with respect by Doctors and staff are necessary.

46.    Para 46: To provide Counseling facilities in various hospitals. 

Transportation:

47.    Para 68: a) To persuade Railways to give 50% concession to all Senior Citizens,  as by Air & State Road Transport without distinguishing between Gents & Ladies.

 b) No quota is fixed for reservation for Senior Citizens in any of the trains, though large quotas are fixed for ladies, handicaps, military & VIPs. Senior Citizens above 70-75 are more vulnerable than handicaps and ladies.

c) In suburban trains also, not only some compartments but entire trains are reserved for ladies but Senior Citizens are denied a small separate coach, as given to handicaps. With the deteriorating health condition, when they are required to go to doctors, consultants, Hospitals etc in the morning for pathological tests, they are facing hardships and as such, they should be provided separate coach or permitted to go in coaches/trains reserved for ladies & handicaps.

d) Railways are having large number of Holiday Homes, Rest Houses, and Convalescent Homes etc and not given concessions in rent though provision of this para provides for concession to Senior Citizens.

48.   Para 70: Railways are having a big Publicity Department but no instructions are issued by Ministry to  Railways to highlight the issues pertaining  to their retired staff every year on 1^st October and call them on that occasion for Get-Together and meeting each other and know about their problems etc. Existing Welfare Branches at Ministry as well as local levels can be instructed to do needful, as envisaged in various paras of the Policy.

49.   Para 73: Railways are having well organized Personnel Department with Efficient Negotiating Machinery. They may be pursued to have continuous dialogue with NGOs doing welfare of Senior Citizens of Railways and recognize/encourage Associations of Senior Citizens of Railways by giving accommodation, place for their meetings etc. They have large number of Welfare Centres through out the Country and these can be allowed for retired staff & their Association of Senior Citizens.

50.   Para 76: Railways can set up voluntary programmes for participation of retired staff in their various programmes, celebrations of Railway Week etc. They can also provide Colonies for Retired Staff with basic facilities.

51.    Para 78 & 79: Railway work is specialized one and retired staff is well trained to tackle various works efficiently. Railways need trained staff in different circumstances and also during vacation period, there is lot of absenteeism. Retired staff should be engaged freely. Instructions should be issued by Ministry of Railways to utilize capable retired staff and enrich & update their knowledge.

52.   Para 93: Annual Plan & Five Year Plan for implementing various provisions of the Policy are required to be prepared.

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.

National Policy for Older Persons, 1999- Guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility.

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: 28-7-11.

Dr. M. Veerappa Moily,  Hon. Minster for Corporate Affairs,

Shastri Bhawan, Rajendra  Prasad Road, New Delhi-110001.

Respected Sir,

Sub: National Policy for Older Persons, 1999- Guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility.

It is gratifying to note that Ministry of Corporate Affairs has notified comprehensive revised Guide Lines for Corporate Social Responsibility in this month of July, 2011, keeping in view the feed back received on earlier Guide Lines of 2009. Though due to some error in putting these Guidelines in Ministry`s Web Site, many pages are blank, it is observed that there are no specific guide lines to Corporate World for utilizing CSR Funds for Welfare of our most disadvantaged Elders. NPOP, 99 lays down that all endowments including Corporate World, Trusts, Charities, and Religious Organizations will be encouraged to extend their areas of concern to provide services to the Elderly by involving them on various ageing issues. Senior Citizens 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. This is all the more necessary, as various Central Ministries and most of the States including our Most Progressive State of Maharashtra have miserably failed to implement many of the provisions of National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 even after 12 YEARS! The entire Senior Citizen Community & their Organizations have declared 16<sup>th</sup> August, 11 as `Solidarity Day` for awakening Central & State Governments to look after their Elders. UNO is also watching the progress and forcing the Governments to implement the provisions of Madrid Declaration to which India is also a party.

Corporate World should be advised to use the major portion (if not, at least 10%) of their CSR Funds on their most neglected Elders, who without their fault but due to ageing and social environment face health and financial problems. The following aspects may be considered for utilization of CSR Funds by all concerned:-

i)                    Let Corporate World adopt needy Senior Citizens of an Area and help other Senior Citizens through C.S.R.: There are many Senior Citizens, who are facing financial problems and some are not able to meet two ends meet. Big Corporate Houses can adopt an area of their choice after surveying the number & need of such Senior Citizens. Such elders can be given their monthly requirements of food, clothes and very essential necessities. Their services can be utilized in some way, as possible. They should also look after their own retired employees and provide them proper facilities, as a welfare measure.

ii)                  They should create a Health Welfare Fund. Provide Convalescent Homes, Holiday Homes, Day Care Centres etc. Provide health care facilities in Vrudhashrams.

iii)                 They should provide opportunities for second careers and activity centres to keep them active. Provide Machinery to utilize and maintain their mental health by holding competitions by way of Essay writing, Quiz, Brain Storming Sessions etc at District, State & Centre level periodically on subjects of social & national interest to get views & guidance from Think-Tank of the Nation. Fix quota for their retired employees for nomination in their Advisory Committees.

iv)                They should create health awareness literature for preventive measures & healthy life style and make them easily available. 

v)                   All private hospitals given free land or special concessions by Govt must treat Senior Citizens free or at concessional rate and beds earmarked, in addition to quota fixed in the Trust Act.

vi)                Corporate sector, Trusts, Associations of Doctors,  Associations of Chemists etc should set apart certain funds for medical treatment of needy Senior Citizens and give medicines at concessional rates.  Adoption of certain number of needy Senior Citizens for periodical treatment, supply of medicines, necessary vitamins etc by such parties will go a long way to meet with health problems of needy Senior Citizens.

vii)              In CSR Guidelines pertaining to employees, every Corporate Body, Business House and if possible, every Employer should be advised to provide health facilities to all their surviving retired employees and their spouses on par with serving employees. They must raise the pension, where it is paid, on every revision of pay-scale of the post on which the employee had retired on the same principle, as envisaged by Supreme Court and accepted by Vth Pay Commission for Central & State Govt  Retired Employees. Where pension is not payable, ex-gratia pension, as paid to Govt Employees retired on SRPF, should be paid to all surviving retired employees/spouses. This will give immediate relief to large number of retired persons and it will not be a financial burden on Employers in the booming economy.

viii)            Corporate Houses, Big industrialists, Trusts, Municipality etc should provide Special Housing Colonies, Day Care Centres, Vrudhashram, Convalescent Home, Holiday Home etc in the locality of their working with active partnership in management of NGOs of the area.

We shall be thankful, if necessary action to advise all Public-Private Sector Corporate Houses and all those concerned with utilization of CSR Funds are advised suitably to provide help to Elders in various respects.

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

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Group of Ministers (GOM) for eradicating Corruption from India. ( Reforming the BABUDOM in 100 DAY PROGRAMME of the Present GOVERNMENT).

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: 1-8-2011.

Shri Pranab Mukherjee,

Hon. Minister of Finance, Government of India,

North Block, New Delhi-110 011.

Respected Sir,

Sub: Group of Ministers (GOM) for eradicating Corruption from India. ( Reforming the BABUDOM in 100 DAY PROGRAMME of the Present GOVERNMENT).

It is heartening to note that You are heading the GOM for eradicating corruption from India and taking prompt & proper steps for the purpose like the latest move to reduce discretionary powers of some Ministries.

One of the major cause of corruption in our Country is non-attendance & non-reply to grievances/representations of citizens by Babudom inspite of clear provision of replying each grievance/representation within a given period, as laid down in para 66 of Office Manual (copy enclosed). Though Grievance Solving Machinery is provided in most of the Public Offices, the practice followed at all levels including Ministry of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances is just to forward to next lower level and forget about it! Citizen goes to any Higher Authority after not getting any reply or proper remedial action at lower level. Higher Authorities just forward to lower authority and do not insist on full report & do not examine the issue at all. There is no Respect or Fear for higher Authority at lower level, as was prevailing during Your & Mine time. The factual position was reported to President in my letter dt 7-9-09 (PRSEC/E/2009/06670 dt 8-9-09) and some suggestions were also sent under my letter dt 20-9-09 (PRSEC/E/2009/9181 dt 20-10-09). Instead of bothering you by repeating details, I enclose copies of both letters, which are not examined by Ministry of A.R. & P.G. in proper spirit. I and majority of citizens feel that unless this Machinery is made to work effectively and supported by some legal provisions to punish the defaulters, corruption can not be removed/reduced in our Country. I would urge you to get this discuss thoroughly in GOM and appropriate legal provisions made. This will go a long way to improve our Country`s Global Image also.

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

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely

(M.V.Ruparelia)

M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road(East) Dist. Thane. 401107. T.No. 022-28123691. M. 09821732855.

To                                                                                                     Date:  7-09-09.

Smt. Pratibhatai Patil,

The President Of India,

Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

Respected Madamji,

Sub: Apply   Apply   No Reply- - - Reforming the BABUDOM in 100 DAY PROGRAMME of the Present GOVERNMENT.

In your Opening Address to both the Houses of Parliament, you have promised that

`` An area of major focus for my Government would be reform of governance for effective delivery of public services. Reports of the Administrative Reforms Commission would guide the effort. Reform of structures in the higher echelons of government, increased decentralization, inclusion of women and youth in governance, process reform and public accountability would be key areas for focused action. As part of process reform, all proposals to the Cabinet will have to report on how the proposal under consideration will enhance the goals of equity or inclusion, innovation and public accountability. `

Even after 61 years of Independence, We have not been able to create an Efficient Machinery to deal with Grievances/Representations of our Citizens! Government has included the Reforming of BABUDOM in their Current Agenda for effective deliverance of Public Service and Home Minister has started some steps in this direction for his Departments but unless all concerned take this seriously, this may remain on paper, as with many such announcements in the past. I may bring out the Present Factual Position to your Notice for initiating proper & prompt action.

Generally, Public Contact Telephones are not attended most of the time. Automatic phones asking to dial 1 for this, 2 for that etc go on telling that `Your phone is very important to us and will be attended shortly` and gets you to the concerned authority rarely. All Public Phones should have recording system and when no one is available, grievance should get recorded.

All communications through Post Offices are very much delayed and even speed post take 5-6 days to reach. Prompt disposal of grievances is desirable. Although instructions appear to have been issued, no government department is using E/Mail for replying Grievances/Applications-Appeals under RTI etc. Most of the Public Authorities do not give their phone no. and mobile no. in their correspondence with public. Many of the Public Authorities do not give their full postal address with pin etc. Many of the Central Ministries do not indicate pin in their correspondence. Strict & clear instructions are required to be issued for this.

Inspite of voluminous instructions to Public Authorities for redressal of Public Grievances in a time bound manner as an integral part of governance (the last Volume of such instructions being ``Policy Guidelines for Redress of P.G.`` by Ministry of A.R. & P.G. in 2007 and ``Centralized P.G. Redressal & Monitoring System-CPGRAMS-Empowering Citizens-Enabling Government`` by same Ministry in 2009), there are many Public Authorities, which neither acknowledge nor reply any representations/grievances received by them!! The CONCERNED Public Authorities have developed a tendency of not getting CONCERNED for the Public, as they are the final AUTHORITIES of the Country!! It is very few Public Authorities like BEST, Mumbai Mahanagar Palika, Mumbai Mayor Etc, which promptly & properly reply all representations/grievances. Such Public Authorities must be recognized & rewarded at your level, so that others may get encouraged to follow them. The present position of Public Grievances is as under as per information given by Ministry of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, the highest authority concerned with dealing of Public Grievances:-

Year:                     No. received.

2006                                              1,09,620

2007                                              1,01,995

2008                                              1,24,052

2009                                                 52,933

(up to 30-6-09)

There is no record to indicate as to how many of this large number are solved or atleast replied and how many are still pending. As Ministry of A.R.& P.G. is refusing to chase or issue reminders for getting replies to such grievances reported to them, where is monitoring or solving grievances of citizens? This casual approach of only registering the grievance and carelessness of refusing to chase must be curbed and proper procedure to chase at appropriate levels till the matter gets finalized must be enforced!

As I did not get any reply from the Ministry of P.G. or any local or central Public Authorities to whom these grievances were forwarded by P.G. Cell for the following 4 grievances of citizens of our area for 2 years recorded in the portal http://pgportal.gov.in, I requested for position under RTI Act from the Ministry, replies of which indicate the factual position of helpless citizens in respect of dealing with their genuine and real grievances!!

i)                    DAPRG/E/2007/07477 dt 25-10-07 for non-provision of 3-4 lights in a big Public Garden provided by MHADA-Maharashtra Housing And Area Development Authority open from 5-30 in the morning to 10 in the night for children, ladies and all citizens, as our efforts at local level from 1-11-05 did not bring any result.

ii)                   DARPG/E/2007/07480 dt 25-10-07 for RTO, Thane not taking any action to get rickshaws run on meter in Mira-Bhayander Area of most developed city of Mumbai!

iii)                 DEPOJ/E/2008/00048 dt 1-5-08 for Department of Justice under Ministry of Law & Justice not giving the copies of required instructions about preference being given to court cases of senior citizens nor giving any reply inspite of repeated reminders and request from Ministry of             S.J. & E. and CIC, Delhi.

iv)                         DOPAT/E/2008/00034 dt 22-5-08 for Chief Information Commissioner, the highest authority of the Country to get information to the citizens, not giving any acknowledgement/registration no. to IInd Appeals/Complaints sent to him nor intimating reasons for rejecting any appeals/complaints.

Reply received under no. H-18011/80/2009 PG(RTI)dt 10-7-09 gives the following position:-

i)                    There is no Grievance Cell in this Ministry of P.G. and it is only a Policy Formulating Department and has no mandate to examine or redress any grievances, though it has to closely monitor the redressal of grievances!!

ii)                   Maximum time limit for redressal is 60 days.

iii)                 For my first 2 grievances, these were forwarded to Maharashtra Government on 29-10-07 and other 2 were directly lodged with those departments and this Ministry has no details thereof.

iv)                 I was advised to lodge my grievances with Mumbai Municipal Corporation, though none of the two pertained to Municipal Corporation.

As this did not give the required information, I requested to give proper information for which the reply was received vide their letter no. H-18011/80/2009PG (RTI) dt 30-7-09, which indicates the following:-

i)                    Monitoring by this Department is prescribed for Central Ministries only and there also this Department monitors only some selected grievances only!

ii)                   This Department received 12995 grievances in 2007; 49247 in 2008 and 39022 in 2009 up to June, 09 but no position is available for how many solved/replied.

iii)                 There is no Monitoring Cell under the System and all my grievances pertain to local municipality and I have a tendency to collect matters that are to be settled by 4-5 different authorities. This confuses the issue and does not convey what the person is actually asking for. This way of reply clearly indicates the whims, pride and prejudice of the highly paid OFFICER, who goes on giving such irresponsible casual reply even after repeatedly told that these do not pertain to Municipality and all the 4 are recorded separately!!

iv)                 No reminders are issued nor required to be issued to either Municipality in Mumbai or to Central Ministries for your grievances, as this Ministry has no quasi-judicial power (even) to monitor!!

It would be observed from above factual position as to how Public Grievances are dealt with and self frustrations, whims, pride, prejudice towards citizens are reflected in replies even at the level of Under Secretary of such a P.G. Machinery! This highest Machinery is stated to be neither Grievance Cell nor Monitoring Cell but is to be considered as POST OFFICE!!

Similar position exists at highest local level also! Many of the local Public Authorities do not give any reply to any representations even after several reminders! Shri Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra on taking over as CM announced that citizens can directly approach him for grievances and gave his personal E/Mail address, stating that he would personally ensure that grievances are solved within 8-10 days by departments. I sent him 4 grievances of citizens of our area to his E/Mail as well as letter dt 31-12-08. No action/reply is given by him or any one for these 4 grievances inspite of several reminders to CM., though 9 months have passed instead of 8-10 days, as promised. Last general reply received from his Secretiate under no. mumansa/09/6/708 dt 15-7-09 received on 14-8-09 advises in clear words that this Secretiate is only a POST OFFICE and its working is limited to forwarding representation to concerned department and it is for citizen to pursue with the concerned departments!

As this is the factual position at the level of Chief Minister & Highest Grievance Ministry at Centre, you may like to get the whole issue of solving P.G. examined seriously and sincerely at appropriate level for fulfilling your promise in your Opening Address of reforming this BABUDOM. Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 12 th Report had given clear recommendations for a legislation on lines of RTI but these were rejected by Government, as it may result in turf war between the executive & judiciary,  as advised by Ministry of ARPG in their above letter. As per Media Report before few months, The Parliamentary Standing Committee had recommended to set up an Effective Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism in every office on lines of RTI Act. The Mechanism should be accessible, simple, quick, fair, responsive and effective and should be set within 30 days. More than 6 months have passed to this Press Report but nothing is visible. You may like to get this expedited.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

M.V.Ruparelia, A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road(East) Dist. Thane. 401107. T.No. 022-28123691. M. 09821732855.

To                                                                                                     Date:  20-10-09.

Smt. Pratibhatai Patil,

The President Of India,

Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi-110101.

Respected Madamji,

Sub: Apply   Apply   No Reply- - - Reforming the BABUDOM in 100 DAY PROGRAMME of the Present GOVERNMENT.

Ref: My Letter dt 7-9-09. Web Site Registration No. PRSEC/E/2009/06670.

In continuation of my letter dt 7-9-09, the following suggestions are made for immediate implementation to give some quick relief to Citizens, pending detailed analysis of the Problem of not dealing with grievances of Citizens by experts and laying down effective procedure.

1. All letters/Applications/Representations received from Citizens via E/Mail by any Public Authority should be automatically acknowledged by machine on receipt, as it is observed that no action is taken on matters received through E/Mail. This will not require any budgeting or complicated procedure.
2. Reply by E/Mail of matters received by E/Mail must be made compulsory, as most of Public Authorities do not use internet for replies, though crores of rupees are spent by Government for computers for expeditious disposal of all matters.
3. Each Public Authority must provide ``Query`` or ``Information Centre`` in their Web Sites for giving replies to all queries/information asked by Citizens. Each Public Authority should provide Grievance Portal also with Status position.
4. Independent machine number acknowledgements for each letter/representation/Application by Centralized Receipt Section for each receipt by post/speed post/personal delivery should be introduced indicating the name of Department/Section/Officer to whom that letter is sent.
5. Each Letter-Head of Public Authority should contain full postal address with Pin, E/Mail Address of the Department, Section and of dealing officer, Telephone & Mobile number of Dept/Section/Dealing officer for easy identification & quick communication. Most of the Central Ministries do not give address and Pin Code, leave apart phone & E/Mail address.
6. All Public Authority Phones should be provided with Recording Machines to enable the Citizen to get his complaint recorded when no one attends the phone. A devise to record only names, time and date of all calls on such Public Phones even when some one receives the phone may also help Citizens, as any talk/reminder on phone is generally denied by the receiver.

Kindly consider the above suggestions for immediate implementation, which do not require additional funds etc and if introduced will give some relief to Citizens facing high-handedness of BABUDOM giving stock reply that Representation/Letter/Application are not received.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

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.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Senior Citizens.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Senior Citizens.                        M.V.Ruparelia.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs has notified more comprehensive revised Guide Lines for Corporate Social Responsibility in this month of July, 2011, keeping in view the feed back received on earlier Guide Lines of 2009. There are many aspects of CSR but we will see only one aspect of Activities for Social and Inclusive Development:

``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.``

 In 2009, the Government had made it mandatory for all Public Sector Oil Companies to spend 2% of their net profits on CSR. All Public Sector Undertakings were required to spend 2 to 5% of their net profits. For Private Sector, guidelines were laid down that companies with net profit of less than US$ 22.5 million will earmark 3-5 per cent of profit for CSR, companies with net profit of between US$ 22.5 million - US$ 112.5 million, will utilize 2-3 per cent for CSR activities and companies with net profit of over US$ 112.5 million will spend 0.5-2 per cent of net profits for CSR.

As per Times Survey, 2008, lack of understanding, inadequately trained personnel, non availability of authentic data and specific information on the kinds of CSR activities, coverage, policy etc. were the factors affecting the CSR programmes. The organizations surveyed felt that NGOs ought to be more involved in project implementation, providing voluntary support to corporate agencies, monitoring and regulation.

Senior Citizens 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. This is all the more necessary, as most of the States including our Most Progressive State of Maharashtra have miserably failed to implement the National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 even after 12 YEARS! The entire Senior Citizen Community & their Organizations have declared 16^th August, 11 as `Solidarity Day` for awakening State & Central Government to look after their Elders. UNO is also watching the progress and forcing the Governments to implement the provisions of Madrid Declaration to which India is also a party.

Corporate World should use the major portion (if not, at least 10%) of their CSR Funds on their most neglected Elders, who without their fault but due to ageing and social environment face health and financial problems. All NGOs working for Senior Citizens must highlight the plight of Elders of their area to Public & Private Sector Undertakings, Corporate Houses, Big Businessmen including Shopping Malls, Hospitals, Trusts etc in respect of various matters. 

The following aspects may be considered for utilization of CSR Funds by all concerned:-

i)                    Let Corporate World adopt needy Senior Citizens of an Area and help other Senior Citizens through C.S.R.: There are many Senior Citizens, who are facing financial problems and some are not able to meet two ends meet. Big Corporate Houses can adopt an area of their choice after surveying the number & need of such Senior Citizens. Such elders can be given their monthly requirements of food, clothes and very essential necessities. Their services can be utilized in some way, as possible. They should also look after their own retired employees and provide them proper facilities, as a welfare measure.

ii)                  They should create a Health Welfare Fund. Provide Convalescent Homes, Holiday Homes, Day Care Centres etc. Provide health care facilities in Vrudhashrams.

iii)                 They should provide opportunities for second careersand activity centres to keep them active. Provide Machinery to utilize and maintain their mental health by holding competitions by way of Essay writing, Quiz, Brain Storming Sessions etc at District, State & Centre level periodically on subjects of social & national interest to get views & guidance from Think-Tank of the Nation. Fix quota for them for nomination in their Advisory Committees.

iv)                They should create health awareness literature for preventive measures & healthy life style and make them easily available. 

v)                   All private hospitals given free land or special concessions by Govt must treat Senior Citizens free or at concessional rate and beds earmarked, in addition to quota fixed in the Trust Act.

vi)                Corporate sector, trusts, Associations  of Doctors, Associations of Chemists etc should set apart certain funds for medical treatment of needy Senior Citizens and give medicines at concessional rates.  Adoption of certain number of needy Senior Citizens for periodical treatment, supply of medicines, necessary vitamins etc by such parties will go a long way to meet with health problems of needy Senior Citizens.

vii)              Every Corporate Body, Business House and if possible, every Employer should  provide health facilities to all their surviving retired employees and their spouses on par with serving employees. They must raise the pension, where it is paid, on every revision of pay-scale of the post on which the employee had retired on the same principle, as envisaged by Supreme Court and accepted by Vth Pay Commission for Central & State Govt Retired Employees. Where pension is not payable, ex-gratia pension, as paid to Govt Employees retired on SRPF, should be paid to all surviving retired employees/spouses. This will give immediate relief to large number of retired persons and it will not be a financial burden on Employers in the booming economy.

viii)            NGOs working for Elders must meet all Corporate Houses, Private & Public Sector Organizations, other big businessmen in Malls, Big Bazaars, Big Shops of their areas to get needy deserving Sr Citizens (even though not below poverty line but having limited resources) adopted on long term basis for free or concessional rate their monthly requirement of groceries.

ix)                Corporate Houses, Big industrialists, Trusts, Municipality etc should  provide  Day Care Centres, Vrudhashram, Convalescent Home, Holiday Home etc in the locality of their working with active partnership in management of NGOs of the area.