Violation of Human Right of Negotiations with Government for 12 crore Elders of the Country.

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

A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (E).  District Thane,  

Maharashtra. 401 107.   M.09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                              Date: 29-1-14.

Chairman, National Human Rights Commission,                                                                                                

Manav Adhikar Bhawan, Block C, GPO Complex, INA,

New Delhi-110001.

Sub: Violation of Human Right of Negotiations with Government for 12 crore Elders of the Country.

There are 12 crore Elders in the Country, who are denied the Right of Negotiation with Government and proper Machinery for Negotiation is not being created inspite of repeated representations.

1.     As you may be aware, Government of India, with the approval of Cabinet, notified National Policy of Older Persons (NPOP) on 13-2-99. As per para 96 of this Policy, an autonomous registered National Association of Older Persons (NAOP) at National, State & District levels was to be established to ``mobilize Senior Citizens, particulate their interests, promote & undertake programmes & activities for their wellbeing & to advise the Government on all matters relating to older persons.`` No  action is taken in 15 years to form such useful negotiating Machinery nor any of the existing registered Confederation/Federation/Associations is recognized 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 any Ministry dealing with matters pertaining to Senior Citizens. To-day, there is no machinery to listen to the voices of Senior Citizens or to get information of what Government is doing for their Elders.

2.     Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions, which is a Nodal Ministry for all Pensioners of all departments, 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. 27 Associations of them have been provided with Pension Portals-Hard ware, Soft ware & Training at the cost of Ministry and are paid Rs 75000 p.a. for telephone, internet connection, stationery, AMC/Battery replacement, subsidy towards rent for office building, water, electricity etc and honorarium of part time Data Entry Operator to each of these 27 Associations (Ministry of Personnel`s no. Lr.No55(6)2012-P&P© dt 28-3-12).  They have established SCOVA, which meets regularly. Their Web Site provides direct contact with them by Pensioners & Associations for their grievances.

3.     Our Nodal Ministry of Social Justice has not recognized a single Association or sending a single circular to any of the Associations. Web Site for Senior Citizens is also complicated and not kept up to date and most of the time difficult to get connected for a particular subject. 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 grassroots Senior Citizens.  It is absolutely necessary that all such major Associations are immediately recognized by Nodal Ministry and SCOVA type Negotiating Machinery making all ministries to participate in such Machinery must be created immediately for 12 crore Elders of the Country. All Ministries including Pension Ministry (as these Associations deal with Pensioners also) are required to be ordered by the Commission to send copies of all communications pertaining to Senior Citizens to various Associations. According to Allocation of Business Rules of Government of India, though Ministry of Social Justice is allotted the work of welfare of senior citizens as a Nodal Ministry, overall management and monitoring etc. of the sectoral programmes in respect of Senior Citizens is the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries, State Governments and Union territory Administrations.

As most of the States/UTs have not constituted State Councils laid down in National Policy, 99 or State Councils, District Committees, Volunteers Committees at each Police station as laid down in Statutory Act of Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007, orders are also to be given to them by the Commission for recognizing State-level Associations and send them all circulars with facility of representation.

4.     National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC) provided as per para 95 of Policy, 99 does not serve any purpose having only 5 representatives from Associations of Senior Citizens and 5 from Associations of Pensioners for representing 12 crore Elders and not meeting for years together, sincerely and seriously. Last 2 meetings of this committee were held on 23-10-09 and 2-11-11, though required to be held twice in a year. No meeting is held for last 3 years. Formation of New National Council was notified in Gazette of India on 22-2-12 but Council is not yet formed even after two years of notification. No action is being taken on suggestions of representatives neither of senior citizens nor on minutes nor even minutes notified in web site in time. Policies & Acts notified by Government are not implemented for years together, representations from Associations & individuals are not being replied!!

It is very much necessary that Commission looks in to this sorry plight of 12 crore Elders of the Country and get them at least their Right to Negotiate, if not the notified facilities etc!

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)  

Open Discussion on Important Issue of Abondoning Parents by Children onhttp://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.in/2014/01/discussion-on-mwpsca-intiated-by-rn

1.     We are thankful to Shri Vyasamoorthy for starting Open Discussion on this important subject. He is requested to start some Brainstorming Sessions on Google (+) Hangouts for important urgent discussions, as and when necessary, as that can be done with 15 persons at a time. All Senior Citizens & those working for Senior Citizens should give a brief report to Shri Vyasamoorthy for putting in this site for information and comments of other Senior Citizens about deliberations held by any Core Group, Meetings with Local/State/Central Public Authorities etc attended by them. At present, there is no machinery to disseminate any important matters to Senior Citizens at grassroots levels. This sight should be made popular for this.

2.     It is very good that S/Shri Mital & Dr Kinjwadekar have expressed their views before NHRC, Delhi in core group meeting & thereafter in writing and has invited views of others on lacunas in the Act, 2007; act of indifference of States and suggestions, if any.

3.     Act, 2007 is basically incomplete. It talks about maintenance by children of all but does not speak about maintenance of parents & Senior Citizens, whose children are not financially capable of maintaining even their own nuclear family or those, who do not have children or relatives to look after. Abandonment by such poor children/relatives cannot be avoided by any stringent punishments, as they have nothing to lose & they will be burden on public exchequer in jails! Keeping the expenditure required to be spent on such defaulters in jails, government should provide in the Act, pension/compensation to such children for keeping parents with them. Present Indira Gandhi Pension by Ministry of Rural Development to only those belonging to BPL Families as per incorrect 13 parameters of that Ministry deprives large number of poor senior citizens. Proper pension/compensation for poor families for keeping parents should be included in the Act, so that senior citizens can get it legally. Without any financial help and fear of fine & jail under this Act, poor citizens have no other alternative but to abandon their parents secretly. Act encourages/forces such abandonment!! With Society and Government with anti-elders policies of Finance Ministry and Planning Commission of the Country, more and more abandonments only can be expected. Finance Ministry & Planning Commission are required to facilitate budgetary provisions for implementation of NPOP, 99 as per para 93 but due to their anti-elder policy, many of provisions for Welfare of Elders laid down in NPOP, 99 have remained unimplemented. Without providing proper financial help by Finance Ministry to poor families to keep & maintain their parents and not providing funds by Planning Commission for sufficient number of Old Age Homes, poor families have no other alternative than abandoning their parents!! Even provision in para 82 to provide tax relief to encourage children to co-reside with their parents is not implemented by Finance Ministry even after 15 years!

4.      Society and Government recognize & help organizations for children; women; SC/ST; Minority; Cows; Animals/Birds (PETA) etc but do not bother about their Elders required to be treated as ``Matru Devo-Pitru Devo.`` Elders have not been given any recognition nor any rights to represent! For indifferent attitudes of States/Centre, our demand before NHRC should be for our Human Right of Representation & Negotiation, as given to Pensioners by Ministry of Pension at least, though we should insist on This Right, as given to serving employees of Governments like Permanent Negotiating Machinry/JCM and compulsory arbitration in case of disagreement etc. There should be no hesitation on part of our Associations/Organizations to go for PIL for implementation of important policies/Acts announced/notified by Government, if not implemented in reasonable time. At present, we are avoiding/hesitating even to represent!! Even mother does not feed the Child, if he does not cry!! We must insist before NHRC for getting State Councils, District Committees, and Volunteers` Committees at each Police Station etc, as legislated in this Act being provided within six months to enable local Senior Citizens to get various benefits of the Act.

5.     We must insist before NHRC to get provisions of the Act about providing Old Age Home for destitutes/poor senior citizens in each District/Village implemented by fixing a target of one year or so. In addition to such provision, Society and Government must lay down that all religious trusts/institutes (temples, masjids, churches etc) and social & cultural Trusts etc must provide shelter, food, health care etc to poor elders by providing Ashrams/Old Age Homes etc compulsorily out of their incomes (at least 50%), just as Corporates have to spend a meager (2%) of their income as CSR. 10% of CSR Funds must be spent for Senior Citizens. Well-to-do citizens; Private & Public Merchants/ Malls; Trusts; Hospitals etc should be encouraged/forced to adopt poor Elders for regular supply of food, medical care, shelter etc, Stringent punishments, as suggested by our two leaders should be for those, who, even after having proper income, abandon their parents.

6.     As definition of ``Welfare`` in sec 2 (k) includes recreation centres and other amenities necessary for the senior citizens, all welfare provisions like NPOP, 99/NPSrC, 2011-14-20(!); IPOP, 2008;NPHCE etc should be provided in this act instead of as  separate policy, approved by cabinet to claim implementation legally.

7.     In addition to Amendments suggested by our leaders, the following may also be considered:

i)                Sec 4 (1) to (3):  Add suitably ``and having sufficient means``.  Provide sufficient government financial help for parents and senior citizens of children & relatives, who do not have sufficient means and define the limit for sufficient means to enable such children/relatives to keep parents with them.

ii)              Sec 19 (1): Replace the word ``may`` with ``must`` in first line. One Old Age Home for 150 destitutes in one District is not apparently sufficient, looking to the cases of abandonment of parents by poor children/relatives and total number of poor families in the Country, not having sufficient means to maintain parents.

iii)            Sec 20 (1): 10% of total beds should be earmarked for senior citizens. For Defence, Railways etc departments also, rule of earmarking of 10% of total beds should be laid down, as present practice is to give preference to serving employees.

iv)             Sec 20(2): Separate ques are provided only for case papers and not for examination by doctors and giving medicines. Provision should be elaborated to this extent.

v)               Sec 20 (5): States/UTs and departments like Defence, Railways etc must provide all facilities included in NPHCE by special efforts by a target date, as it is reported by Ministry of Health that though sufficient funds are provided by them, implementing agencies do not provide these facilities.

vi)             Sec 21 (i to iii): Provide specific time schedule and lay down periodical ATRs to be given in Media & Ministry of Social Justice for all three items.

vii)           Sec 22 (1): Provision should be made here for obtaining monthly/Quarterly ATR from Magistrate, as it is observed that though these duties are given to Magistrates by States, no Magistrate has acted on these provisions.

viii)         Sec 23 (1): Restriction of `after commencement of Act`` should be removed.

ix)             Sec 24: Such provision without proper provision for financial help will lead to more abandonment secretly.

x)               Sec 31: For periodic review and monitoring the progress of the implementation of the provisions of this Act by the State Governments, a Committee of representatives of Senior Citizens from each State/UT and Central Organization should be nominated.

xi)             Sec 32: Similar Committee of Senior Citizens for monitoring the progress of the implementation of the provisions of this Act should be provided at State/UT level.

Implementation of Various Policies of Government of India by Rail Ministry on Welfare of Senior Citizens and Retired Railway Employees.

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

A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East)

Dist. Thane. 401107.         M. 09821732855.  E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

                 

To                                                                                                Date: 27-12-13 .

Chairman, Railway Board, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi- 110001.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Implementation of Various Policies of Government of India by Rail Ministry on Welfare of Senior Citizens and Retired Railway Employees.

Ref: Our representation dt 23-9-12 to the then Chairman and MORLY/E/2012/05979 DT 23-9-12 FOLLOWED BY REMINDERS.

1.     Now, as per para 3.3.1 of Ministry of Personnel`s memorandum no. 1/6/2011-IR dt 15-4-13, each Ministry and each Public Authority have to disclose suo motu under Sec 4 of RTI Act, 2005 in their Web Site all schemes and development programmes with Action Plans etc, which they are required to implement directly or through others as per Allocation of Business Rules (AOB) within 6 months of the issue of these directives. More than 8 months have passed after 15-4-13 but this has not been done by your Ministry for items pertaining to Welfare of Elders of the Country. According to Allocation of Business Rules of Government of India, though Ministry of Social Justice is allotted the work of welfare of senior citizens as a Nodal Ministry, overall management and monitoring etc. of the sectoral programmes in respect of Senior Citizens is the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries, State Governments and Union territory Administrations.

2.     Para 93 of National Policy, 99 notified with approval of Cabinet also directs each Ministry to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets. It has been provided in its Mandate and Policy Statement & other paras to take effective steps to improve the quality of life of all Elders, strengthen their legitimate place in society and help them to live their last spell of life with purpose, dignity and peace.This Mandate & Policy are for all Ministries and all Public Authorities.

3.    Para 3.3.1 further lays down that all Government Offices have to follow laid down OFFICE Manual, which gives details of how representations etc from Citizens must be dealt with. Right to reply is also included in Citizens Charter. Para 3.4.3 (f) lays down the disclosure of individuals responsible for providing this reply.

4.    Ministry of Railways is the apex authority of Government of India at the national level to formulate  policies, sponsor and support programme, coordinate the activities of various Central Ministries, Zonal Railways and other nodal authorities and monitor the programmes concerning all the issues pertaining to your Ministry brought out in Policy, 99 etc. Ministry of Social Justice with 5 officers-1 Joint Secretary, 1 Dy Sec,1 U.S and 2 Section Officer only for welfare of 12 crore Elders cannot  do work of your Ministry in this respect and go on chasing your Ministry and  your subordinate offices for provisions pertaining to them. As per AOB, it is clearly for your Ministry to issue necessary directives to your Officers, Staff and all Subordinate Offices including Zonal Railways also and get all provisions pertaining to your Ministry of National Policy, 99; Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP) under para 47 of NPOP, 99; Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and National Programme of Health Care of Elders by Health Ministry to the extent pertaining to your Ministry and all subordinate offices by preparing Five Year & Annual Action Plan with targets.

We shall be thankful, if early action is taken to implement various provisions for welfare of senior citizens pertaining to your Ministry and a line in reply to this representation in terms of para 66 & 67 of Office Manual is given.

Thanking you,

                       

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Action to be taken by Ministry of Culture.

Appeal under Section 19(1) of The Right To Information Act, 2005.

                     (Senior Citizen Priority Case as per CIC`s Circular)

To Shri Chandra Prakash, Dy. Secretary  & The Appellate Authority, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, C wing, New Delhi 110001.

1)  Name of the Applicant:   M.V. Ruparelia,  Senior Citizen aged 80. 

2)  Address: A 503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park , Mira Road (East) Dist. Thane. 401107. 

 M. 9821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in                                 

3)  Particulars of C. P.I.O. :  Shri Ashok Acharya, Under Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

4)  Date of receipt of the order appealed against :  No .27-237/2013-CDN dt 9-12-13 received on 13-12-13 returning representation dt 7-09-13 and Application dt 7-10-13 to Ministry of Home Affairs (Copy of Application enclosed).

5)  Last date of filing appeal:    20-1--14. 

6)  Grounds of appeal: Application is for creating Respect for Elders in families, society and government as per our Culture of Matru Devo Bhav etc. 12 crore Elders of the Country are neglected day in and day out by Families, Society and Government, as will be clear from Help Age India`s Report about Abuse of Elders in India. Each Government department including Ministry of Culture has to read, consider and act on Mandate & Policy Statement of National Policy, 99, which is for all departments (copy enclosed for ready reference) and take action to improve the quality of life of all Elders, strengthen their legitimate place in society and help them to live their last spell of life with purpose, dignity and peace. Para 18 of the Policy provides that age 60+ is a phase, when individual should have chances and opportunities to lead an active, creative, productive and satisfying life. It is necessary to frame Action Plans for each aspect of all policies declared by Government for Elders, as laid down in para 93 of NPOP, 99. Legal Mandate of Ministry of Culture reads as under:-

"Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same" - Article 29 of the Constitution

"It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture" - Article 51 A(F) of the Constitution.

The mission of the department is to preserve, promote and disseminate all forms of culture. Item no.37 of First Schedule: Observance of Centenaries & anniversaries of important Events.

Government of India had declared National Policy for Older Persons, 99 with approval of Cabinet. 15 years have passed. Most of the provisions are not implemented by many of the Ministries inspite of repeated representations. We have been bringing this deplorable position to President & Prime Minister for last several years, who just forwarded to Ministry of Social Justice, which cannot force other Ministries to act! This time our representation for 10 long pending important demands including creating proper culture of respect by celebrating International Day in grand way was sent to Ministry of Home affairs, which has forwarded to you for needful. Many provisions in addition to Mandate & Policy pertain to your Ministry also like promoting intergenerational integrity (Para 57); integrate tradition with contemporary needs & transmit more effectively socio-cultural heritage to grand children (Para 79); Family System to be strengthened (Paras 80 & 81). Ministry of Culture has to ensure that Elders of the Country are not ignored and marginalized. Proper & prompt action is to be taken to ensure that they are respected by all.

We know that RTI is not for solving the grievance, but as practice followed by almost all Public Authorities is not to take any initiative for welfare of elders nor to reply any representations in this respect  and as there is no way to establish contact with any authority, we resort to RTI, thinking that main aim of RTI Act is to streamline the working of the Public Authority and make it accountable to the governed!!  According to Allocation of Business Rules of Government of India, though Ministry of Social Justice is allotted the work of welfare of senior citizens as a Nodal Ministry, overall management and monitoring etc. of the sectoral programmes in respect of Senior Citizens is the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries, State Governments and Union territory Administrations. Ministry of Social Justice with 5 officers-1 Joint Secretary, 1 Dy Sec,1 U.S and 2 Section Officer only for welfare of 12 crore Elders cannot  do work of your Ministry in this respect and go on chasing your Ministry and  your subordinate offices in States/UTs for provisions pertaining to your Ministry. As per AOB, it is clearly for your Ministry to prepare proper plans and issue necessary directives to your Officers, Staff and all Subordinate Offices including Municipalities also and get all provisions pertaining to your Ministry for National Policy, 99; Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP) under para 47 of NPOP, 99; Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and National Programme of Health Care of Elders by Health Ministry to the extent pertaining to your Ministry and all subordinate offices by preparing Five Year & Annual Action Plan with targets. Kindly give information on item i); ii) & iv) of application and item 6 of Memorandum dt 22-8-13 to President (Copy enclosed).

7)     Particulars of Information: :  Information in respect Of Celebrating World Elder Day on 1^st October every year in Our Country with enthusiasm etc by States and creating respect for Elders in the Country.

8) Reply may be given by E/Mail on mvrup@yahoo.co.in or Post.                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                      (M.V.Ruparelia)                                                                                                                                                              

Mira Road 25 -12-13.                                               Signature of the Applicant

Guide Lines for Suo Motu Disclosure under Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005- Some suggestions.

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

A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East),

Dist. Thane. 401 107.   Mobile No.09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                                                               Date: 15-12-13.
Shri V. Narayanasamy,  Hon Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pension,

North Block, New Delhi.110001.

Sub: Guide Lines for Suo Motu Disclosure under Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005- Some suggestions.

Ref: DOPT`s Memorandum no. 1/6/2011-IR dt 15-4-13 and Secretary, DOPT`s D.O. Letter of same no. dt 21-11-13.

1.     We are very much thankful to DOPT for issuing elaborate instructions for Suo Motu Disclosure under Sec 4 of RTI Act, 2005 for more items. If these instructions are implemented by each Public Authority (PA), number of individual RTI Applications will be reduced to negligible number and work in all Public Authorities, SICs & CIC will get reduced considerably.

2.      According to para 4 of your Memorandum dt 15-4-13, all Public Authorities are required to make these instructions fully operationalized within a period of 6 months from 15-4-13. For this, you had authorized all Public Authorities to engage Consultants or even outsource such work to expeditiously comply with these guidelines. It is observed by us and as may be observed by you from Action Taken Reports received in terms of para 4.3 of these instructions from various Public Authorities that majority of Public Authorities at Central, State & UTs have not followed these clear instructions for the following important issues.

a)      Para 3.3.1:- Guidelines for Procedure followed in decision making processes, including channels of supervision & ACCOUNTABILITY: As per this para, each Ministry and each Public Authority have to disclose suo motu under Sec 4 of RTI Act, 2005 all schemes and development programmes, which they are required to implement directly or through others as per Allocation of Business Rules (AOB), specific operations required to implement them linking to specific decision-making chain etc within 6 months of the issue of these directives.

b)     e.g.  According to AOB, Ministry of Social Justice is allotted the work of welfare of senior citizens as a Nodal Ministry with clear indication in the Note that: `` The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment shall be the nodal Department for the overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for the development of the groups mentioned at (i) to (iv) above, and the welfare of the group at (v) above. However, overall management and monitoring etc. of the sectoral programmes in respect of these groups shall be the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries, State Governments and Union territory Administrations. Each Central Ministry or Department shall discharge nodal responsibility concerning its sector.``

c)     Para 3.4.3:  In Para 93 of the National Policy of Older Persons (NPOP), 99, norms have been specified for each Ministry to implement the aspects concerning them by preparing Five Year and Annual Action Plan with targets. It has been provided in NPOP`s  Mandate and Policy Statement & other paras for all Government Departments to take effective steps to improve the quality of life of all Elders, strengthen their legitimate place in society and help them to live their last spell of life with purpose, dignity and peace. CIC had also ruled as under in earlier case no. 2701/IC/(A)/2008-CIC/MA/A/2008/00645 ON 27-6-08 (on CIC Web Site):-

``The Respondents has adopted a National Policy which has not been effectively implemented. The Senior Citizens are, therefore, deprived of the benefits assured to them. The Respondent is, therefore, directed to clearly outline the Plan of Action and indicate its outcome for the larger benefits of Older Persons and the Society.``

3.     Inspite of these directives, no central/state/UT ministries have so far even after 9 months of your instructions shown in their SUO MOTU Disclosures any of the provisions for Senior Citizens pertaining to them for which they are required to take action with targets. They are required to show all provisions of NPOP, 99 (Revised Policy,2013/2014/2015, whenever notified) pertaining to them; Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP) for Ministries of Panchayati Raj & Ministry of Urban Development etc at all levels; Maintenance & Welfare of  Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007; National Programme for Health Care of Elders (NPHCE) etc.

4.     If we file an individual RTI Application followed by 1^st & IInd Appeals as to why these instructions are not followed so far and when these will be followed, stock reply from CPIO, AA and CIC will be that RTI does not permit giving reply to our why and when and our 3-4 years will be wasted.

5.     Para 3.3.1 further lays down that all Government Offices have to follow laid down OFFICE Manual, which gives details of how representations etc from Citizens must be dealt with. Right to reply is also included in Citizens Charter. Para 3.4.3 (f) lays down the disclosure of individuals responsible for providing this reply. It can be observed from ATR Reports received in DOPT that no Public Authority has complied with these instructions, as seen by us also. Individual RTI Application followed by 2 Appeals to get the position of reply to our representations by name to Ministers also will bring stock reply from CPIO, AA & CIC as brought out above after wasting 3 years!

6.     Third Party Audits, its examination by CIC, sample audit by CIC and CIC`s advices to Public Authorities, as provided in Para 4 of these instructions may not bring desirable results. As DOPT as well as Citizens desire early and proper implementation of these very important directives of DOPT, it is suggested that for this important requirement of SUO MOTU DISCLOSURES, citizens may be given facility of Suo Motu representations to SIC/CIC giving details of issues not disclosed by particular Public Authority and SIC/CIC after giving opportunity to Nodal Officer (Para 5 of instructions) of that Public Authority give target by which this disclosure must be notified. Decisions of SIC/CIC being statutory orders, all Public Authorities will act on those orders. This will go a long way to implement these important instructions.

7.      Para 1.6 of instructions direct Public Authority to disclose Citizens Charter. This charter of all Public Authorities should indicate all facilities/concessions/replies to representations etc to be given by them to Senior Citizens in users` perspective separately and vividly.

8.     As most of the Ministries are having large number of departments, Suo Motu Disclosures under Sec 4 should be separate for each department for easy access to Citizens.    

We shall be grateful, if these suggestions are got examined and remedial action taken, giving reply to us in terms of Para 66-67 of Office Manual.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Let Us Take Advantage of Facilities Given by Government.

Let Us Take Advantage of Facilities Given by Government.   M.V.Ruparelia.

National Policy, 99 recognizes our Associations (NGOs) as very important institutional mechanism to provide user-friendly affordable services to senior citizens of their areas. Elder persons should be encouraged by our Associations for involving them to provide services to fellow senior citizens, thereby making use of their professional knowledge, expertise and contacts. All associations should sincerely work towards this goal and get benefits given by governments and local bodies reach to all elders of their areas. Each Association and active Senior Citizen should have copy of NPOP, 99; Maintenance Act, 2007 & Rules made there under by their State/UT; List of Facilities & Concessions given by Central & State Governments and Local Body of their area; Integrated Programmes of 16 Schemes by Ministry of Social Justice, National programme for Health Care of Elders (NPHCE), Help Lines of their area; Vrudhashrams in their areas etc. (Please, see  Web Sites of Nodal Ministry, Ministry of Health & F.W. & my blogs: http://mvrup.blogspot.com or http://blogs.rediff.com/mvrup).They should constantly endeavor to disseminate such information amongst all senior citizens of their areas and help & guide those, who approach them. In this article, we shall see very useful but most neglected (by us) facility given by our Nodal Ministry viz Integrated Programmes to Older Persons (IPOP) of the Country.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES of Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP) is to improve the quality of life of the Older Persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building of Our Associations (NGOs)/ Panchayats/ Municipalities/local bodies and the Community at large. Assistance under the scheme is given to our Associations (eligible Non-Governmental Voluntary Organizations with 2 years registration); the Panchayati Raj Institutions / Municipalities/local bodies for the following purposes:-

(i) Programmes catering to the basic needs of Older Persons particularly food, shelter and health care to the destitute elderly; (ii) Programmes to build and strengthen intergenerational relationships particularly between children/youth and Older Persons; (iii) Programmes for encouraging Active and Productive Ageing; (iv) Programmes for proving Institutional as well as Non Institutional Care/Services to Older Persons; (v) Research, Advocacy and Awareness building programmes in the field of Ageing; and (vi) Any other programmes in the best interests of Older Persons.

It would be observed from the above that government is ready to give financial assistance for above purposes. Our Registered Associations should take advantage of this for benefits of senior citizens of their areas. Some active office bearers/senior citizens, having preconceived ideas for government working, pride & prejudice avoid dealing with government machinery depriving their senior citizens of various facilities very much needed & useful for them. We may experience many difficulties in dealing with government departments but having come of our own volition in the field of social service, our inactions and thinking should not deprive our senior citizens for whom we have to work. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment allocates huge funds every year to your State/UT, which is not used fully. They have given details of assistance for 16 schemes and you can have any programme for your area, keeping aims & objects in view. If you study this Integrated Programmes, you will realize that how much is being done by government for us. To give one or two examples, you will be happy to know that if you arrange a Camp for about 50 senior citizens through recognized charitable hospital, nursing home, medical institutes, colleges etc for disability of hearing and providing hearing aids, dentures, knee braces etc free of cost, Ministry is giving up to Rs 1,60,000 per camp. For physiotherapy Centre, which is needed more in this age, Ministry gives Rs 7,00,000 for equipments and Rs 2,36,000 p.a. for day to day expenditure. For Day Care Centre for 50 members, it gives Rs3,74, 000 p.a. and Rs 32000 for furniture etc. For running your registered association, 90% grant to the extent of Rs 1,44,000 p.a. (12000 p.m.) is given for 5 years on various items of expenditure and Rs 50000 for non recurring expenditure for furniture, telephone, computer etc, if your membership is 1000 and above and to your Federations/Confederations, if membership is more than 20000. They have given details of grants for 16 schemes  for which our Associations can get financial assistance with managerial staff etc.

Ministry of Social Justice is giving grants to NGOs, Municipalities, Panchayats etc to the extant of 90% for recurring and non-recurring expenditure for providing various very useful 16 schemes for Senior Citizens as laid down in their INTEGRATED PROGRAMME FOR OLDER PERSONS (IPOP), revised from 1-4-2008. We are not getting these huge grants utilized, though allotted by Nodal Ministry to our States/UTs during last 5 years and thus deprive our members and our elders of these very useful facilities. Please, see the detailed statement from Web Site of Nodal Ministry showing State‐wise Notional Allocation vis‐à‐vis amount released, number of projects assisted and beneficiaries covered during 2011‐12 in your State/UT. It would be observed that advantage is being taken mainly by NGOs of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tamilnadu, Karnatak and Manipur. States like Gujarat, Goa and Jharkhand perhaps do not know much about these schemes, as not a single NGO has applied. States like Bihar, H.P., Kerala, M.P., U.P., Uttarakhand, Chhatisgarh, Rajasthan etc have negligible response. Not a single Municipality or Panchayat has ever applied in last 5 years. This is a serious position and requires personal attention of all Associations/Federations/Confederation. Special efforts are required by all to study Integrated Programmes (IPOP) and encourage their Municipalities/Panchayats and NGOs including our registered associations to get all 16 schemes provided in each ward of your city/village.

One more disturbing feature of this Statement is that most of the grants have been taken for Old Age Home (OAH) and Day Care Centres for Care of old persons with Dementia (DCC-item no. 5 of the list), leaving more important Schemes like Multi Service Centres (Day Care Centres for all Senior Citizens), Physiotherapy Clinics, Training for Care Givers, Awareness Projects for Older Persons, Multi Facility Care Centres for Older Widows, Volunteers Bureaus, Senior Citizens Associations/Self Help Groups etc. Special Drive for provision of all Schemes in your area by Municipality/Panchayat/NGOs is necessary. Kindly, do needful and help your Elders.

ELIGIBILITY CRIETERIA FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME for your Association is as under:-i) The Non-governmental voluntary organization should be a registered body, under an appropriate Act so that it gets a corporate status and a legal personality and a group liability is established for its activities; ii) It should be registered either under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or relevant State Societies Registration Act and has already been working for at least two years; or a Public Trust registered under any law for the time being in force or a charitable company licensed under Section 525 of Companies Act, 1958.iii) It should have been registered for a minimum period of two years but in the case of the North Eastern region, J&K, Desert areas and under serviced/Under-represented areas, this condition of two years will not be applicable. In other deserving cases, the condition of two years may be relaxed with the approval of the Secretary (SJ&E) on case-to-case basis. iv) The Organization shall have a properly constituted managing body with its powers, duties and responsibilities clearly defined and laid down in a written Constitution; It shall have an appropriate administrative structure and a duly constituted managing/ executive committee; v) The organization is initiated and governed by its own members on democratic principles.vi) The aims and objects of the organization and programmes in fulfillment of those aims and objects are specifically laid down; vii) The Organization shall not run for profit to any individual or a body of individuals; The Organization should possess proven credentials and capabilities to handle such projects.

These grants are substantial and likely to be increased shortly. These grants are admissible to all Registered Associations of Senior Citizens working for 2 years & above and NGOS, Panchayats, Municipalities (all local bodies), Trusts, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and all registered & recognized Social & Government Organizations, State Governments etc. Where Associations do not want to do themselves, they can get these done through other agencies by constant persuasion. It is better to do yourself rather than pursuing others. Details of the Scheme & procedures to be followed can be seen from their Web Site: www.socialjustice.nic.in   Our Associations of Senior Citizens are requested to work hard towards provision of these facilities in their areas by themselves or through various agencies mentioned above.

Our Associations should also work hard to get State Councils, District Committees, Volunteers Committees with Police etc under Maintenance Act, 2007 established for regular & wide publicity of Policies and continuous negotiations for effective implementation of various policies for senior citizens. Lot of facilities and monthly IGNOAPension are given to BPL senior citizens. They being illiterate, they are to be provided full assistance by our associations to get these facilities. Lot of funds are being allotted by Ministry of Health for providing geriatric wards, hospitals etc but are not used by States/UTs. Associations must pursue this also with State/UT authorities.

Maharashtra State Policy for Senior Citizens, 2013.

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

A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East) Dist. Thane. 401107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in To                                                                                                     Date: 11-12-13.

Shri Suresh Kakaniji, Municipal Commissioner,

 Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation, Chhatrapati Shivaji Road, Bhayander (West)-401101.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Maharashtra State Policy for Senior Citizens, 2013.

We are very much thankful to MBMC to give us 2 Community Halls, one at Mira Road and another at Bhayander and notifying the Policy for providing such Day Care Centres. We shall be obliged, if some Physiotherapy Centres are also set up in various places, as majority of Senior Citizens are suffering from orthopedic ailments. In this connection, we invite your attention to Integrated Programme for Older Persons, 2008 (IPOP) notified by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in which that Ministry gives lavish grants to Municipalities for recurring & non-recurring grants to the extent of 90% of expenditure for 16 very useful schemes for Senior Citizens. Major portion of such Grants allotted to Maharashtra States get lapsed due to non-utilization. Copy of this Scheme was given thrice by us to MBMC and meetings were also arranged with Shri Sambhaji Panpate & Deepak Khambit but no scheme is provided by MBMC even after constant chasing for last 4 years. Kindly, get these funds and provide us with some useful schemes under this Programme.

As you may be aware, State of Maharashtra has now notified the State Policy for Older Persons on 30-9-13 and more than 2 ½ months has passed. According to this Policy, MBMC has to take action on the following provisions by providing sufficient funds and initiating action now onwards:

i)                Develop concept of Aged-Friendly City for Mira-Bhayander areas to enable older persons to lead tolerable life by providing Day Care, Dementia, Physiotherapy, Recreational Centres, concessional transport, providing more parks, arranging variety entertainment programmes often, concessional entrance to cinema halls, celebrating International Day on 1^st October in befitting way for a week, free libraries etc.

ii)              Provide Warden Scheme effectively for safety of older persons by maintaining list of Senior Citizens through Census Department with coordination with Police. Provide protection of older persons from any type of harassments or exploitation at various levels of the Society.

iii)            Appeal to all Doctors practicing privately in Mira-Bhayander area to charge concessional medical fees to older persons and Chemists to give concession in medicines. Special Health Programmes for older persons should be promoted by liason with Public & Private Hospitals.

iv)             To set up Counseling Centres for aged persons, regular health checkups. Planning and monitoring and taking care of health, effective stress management for older persons.

v)               Establish ``Senior Citizen Section`` in your Office bringing all schemes for benefit of older persons by Central, State & Local Agencies under one Umbrella to monitor benefits being given in time by all agencies in Mira-Bhayander. Establish ``Senior Citizens Welfare Fund``.

vi)             Ensure that all Corporate Establishments in Mira-Bhayander spend 10% of their CSR funds for older persons.

vii)           Able older persons should be assisted for part time jobs and help them to get micro finance etc

viii)         To develop guidelines for amenities to be given for older persons in all Housing, Commercial Projects and other Complexes.

ix)             Giving training to older persons to enable them to lead productive & positive life.

x)               To publish the list of children, who do not take care of their parents.

xi)             To establish Committee to oversee and suggest all welfare activities for Senior Citizens with higher level officers of MBMC & representatives of Senior Citizens.

Kindly make your Officers and Nagar Sevaks aware of all provisions of State Policy and work towards welfare of Senior Citizens of Mira-Bhayander by taking effective steps to improve the quality of life of all Elders, strengthen their legitimate place in society and help them to live their last spell of life with purpose, dignity and peace. Everyone has to retire and then every individual should have chances and opportunities to lead an active, creative, productive and satisfying life.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Copy to M/s  Caitlin Pereira, Mayor, Shri Sambhaji Panpate, Deepak Khambit.