Training of Senior Citizens to serve 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: 17-10-13.

Kumari Selja, Hon Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,

 Government of India, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001.

Respected Madam,

Sub: Welfare of 12 crore Elders of the Country- Training of Senior Citizens to serve Elders of the Country.

Provisions in para 76 of National Policy of Older Persons, 99 (NPOP, 99) read as under in which  Government has promised to provide training to Senior Citizens for helping themselves and other senior citizens for handling their various problems.

 `` 76. Support will be provided for setting up volunteer programmes which will mobilize the participation of older persons and others in community affairs, interact with the elders and help them with their problems. Volunteers will be provided opportunities for training and orientation on

handling problems of the elderly and kept abreast of developments in the field to promote active

ageing. Volunteers will be encouraged to assist the home bound elderly, particularly frail and

elderly women and help them to overcome loneliness.``

We request you to get proper training programme prepared and executed by NISD for training the trainers in respect of all aspects of welfare of senior citizens at grassroots levels. Some aspects are suggested below:

i)                 All provisions of NPOP, 99- Provisions & Progress achieved and action required to get early implementation of all provisions. Sufficient emphasis should be on provisions given in Mandate & Policy Statement.

ii)                All provisions of Maintenance & Welfare of parents & senior citizens Act, 2007 & Rules made there under by States- Provisions & Progress achieved and action required to get early implementation of all provisions.

iii)              Deep study of Integrated Programmes with all procedures & necessities required in detail- Provisions & Progress achieved and action required to get early implementation of all provisions.

iv)             All provisions of National Programme of Health Care of Elders-Provisions & Progress achieved and action required to get early implementation of all provisions.

v)               Art & Practices to represent the necessities of senior citizens to concerned authorities, including RTI Act, 2005.

vi)             Formation & functioning of various Committees/Councils provided in NPOP & MWPSC Act & Rules.

vii)           Action Plan to get CSR funds for various programmes for senior citizens.

viii)         Machinery & methods to remain in touch with all departments of Central, State, Local Institutes like Municipality, Panchayats, Public Sector Organizations like Banks etc, Trusts, Charitable Institutes running Hospitals, NGOs etc.  

ix)             Contact & tact necessary for continuous liaison with Media- Government Media like  Prasar Bharti, Doordarshan etc and Private Media like TV Channels, Newspapers, Magazines, Bollywood for serials & pictures etc. NISD can give various topics affecting elders, creating respects for elders, facilities given by government; inter generation relations etc enumerated in NPOP, rights of elders & other aspects, as necessary. Ministry of Health should get prepared sufficient instruction material on self care, easy-to-follow guidance material on health and nursing care of older persons.

x)               Complete material for training, second careers & avenues of useful utilization of senior citizens and methods of negotiations.

 In absence of any machinery to disseminate information about various facilities, concessions and directives by various departments of Governments, Public & Private Sectors, Local Bodies etc for welfare of elders of the Country, majority of senior citizens remain unaware of most of facilities and do not get advantage thereof. It is therefore absolutely necessary that all office bearers of all registered associations of senior citizens and active senior citizens are trained on continuous & regular basis at all places by getting training facilities established with help of various Training Institutes & NGOs by providing syllabus & trained personnel. Ministry of Personnel is giving training for various aspects of Right to Information Act, 2005, including on-line training.

We shall be grateful, if early arrangements are made for such training and action plan for this advised by giving reply to this representation in terms of para 66 & 67 of Office Manual.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Suggestions for VIIth Pay Commission:

Suggestions for VIIth Pay Commission:

1.     Pension at 50% of emoluments of serving employee of the same grade from which pensioner had retired and that too at the minimum of such scale is very much less. 50% was fixed before many years, when there was no inflation and most of the necessary things, as available now, were not available. Country has progressed financially and materially to a great extant and all citizens are entitled to better financial return for their services rendered. Government`s efforts are to ensure that retired employees maintain the same standard of living even after retirement. Government of India had announced National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 on 13-2-99 with the approval of Cabinet. 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. 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. For living such promised life, pensioners need better pension. They should be paid 100% of emoluments of equivalent scale taking in to account the number of years service put by them in that scale from which they retired, as they need more money than serving employees in view of medical expenses due to deteriorating health and high cost of medical care. 50% may be paid to those who loose their spouse. Family pension should also be 50% as against 30% as at present. Minimum pension should be increased from Rs 3500 to atleast Rs 12000.

2.     Pensioners should be paid Transport Allowance on par with serving employees, as they have to move often for medical treatment, entertainment, religious and social visits to keep them busy to avoid loneliness..

3.     House Rent Allowance is also necessary in view of high rents, they have to pay and heavy taxation by Municipalities, Maintenance charges etc.

4.     Some Festival Advances adjustable by recovery from pension may also be considered. Some ex-gratia payments on International Day of Older Persons, Annual Day of Ministry etc may also be considered.

5.     Each Ministry must look after its retired employees well and give them all facilities like medical, use of clubs/welfare centres/holiday homes, membership fees of professional & cultural organizations to avoid loneliness etc as given to working employees, concessions in fare of all transport systems, tourist guest houses etc. All Ministries must give preference to representations from Pensioners and other Senior Citizens. They should provide Welfare Fund for retired staff on lines with Staff Benefit Fund of Railways, as provided for serving employees. Their retired employees should be called in celebrations of all their functions open for serving employees to maintain contact and encouraging them to participate in such gatherings to help them inter-act with others, overcome loneliness and give them their legitimate place in society. World Elder Day on 1^st October etc every year should also be celebrated by all Ministries at all places having concentration of retired employees, facilitating interaction between old & young and strengthen bonds between different age groups. Pay Commission must encourage all Ministries to provide avenues of useful utilization of this untapped resource of the Country for last spell of their life. Time will come shortly, when retired employees will outnumber the serving employees and as such, each ministry be made retired employee-friendly by providing more facilities.

6.     Retired employees of 80 and above are required to be looked after more. Medical Allowance should be more for such employees. They should be treated more humanely by providing health care at their residences by regular visits by doctors, supply of medicines by courier etc.

7.     Representation to retired staff in various committees, accommodation, recognition & negotiation status to their associations as given to serving employees must be given.

8.     As pension is disbursed by Banks, proper rules for dealing with representations by pensioners & their associations should be given.

9.     As pensioners find it difficult to procure proper houses after retirement and face various difficulties due to no facilities being given by Municipalities/Panchayats, it is necessary for Pay Commission to direct Ministries to provide housing to retired staff to a certain extant and also to other authorities for earmarking of 10% of the houses, house sites for Pensioners. Retired employees may be given loans for purchase of houses, repairs etc as given to serving employees recoverable from pension.

10.  Although CGHS facility exists for many pensioners, there is need for better medical facilities by each Ministry. Geriatric Health Care Units and Physiotherapy Units should be provided for pensioners by Ministries like Railways, Defence etc having independent Medical Facilities and included in CGHS scheme for other ministries. Counseling facilities in various hospitals for retired staff should be provided. 

Maharashtrians of 60(+) to 65 are not Indians?

To                                                          Mumbai. Date 17-10-13.

The Registrar General,

Bombay High Court, Fort, Mumbai-400032.

Respected Hon Chief Justice Of Maharashtra,

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

Ref: Approval by Cabinet to State Policy for Senior Citizens on Monday, 30-9-13.

I am a Senior Citizen of 80 working for welfare of Senior Citizens. According to National Policy of Older Persons, 99 approved by Central Cabinet, all Citizens of India of 60(+) are notified as Senior Citizens. Maharashtra Government in their State Policy has declared that in Maharashtra, citizens above 65 years only will be treated as Senior Citizens. This has deprived 35% of 1.2 crore Senior Citizens of Maharashtra from various concessions & facilities, they were getting till 30-9-13 without giving them opportunity to represent or heard. Identity cards were issued by State for all citizens above 60 and all citizens of 60(+) were declared senior citizens in Part 1 of State Policy. As this 35% are not senior citizens now, Rules notified by State on 23-6-10 for Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 will not apply to them and they will be deprived of all facilities like security of life & property, old age homes etc. All protests through media & letters by individuals & associations will not bring any result, as declaration of State Policy itself has taken 14 years inspite of hundreds of repeated representations by all organization of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra. I enclose one News item of Times of India of 1-10-13 to give complete idea of grave situation. State can restrict the concessions to 65 (+) for any or all facilities but can not change the definition of Senior Citizen of any Indian Citizen abruptly and deprive them from provisions of Act, 2007 & Rules framed by them.

1.2 crore senior citizens will be highly obliged, if Hon. Court takes cognizance of  this important issue and direct the State to keep the definition unchanged.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

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

A 503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (E). 401 107.  

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

To                                                          Mumbai. Date 17-10-13.

Honorable Shri Prithviraj Chavan

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai: 400032.

Sub: State Policy for Senior Citizens declared on Monday, 30-9-13.

It is observed from Press Reports that State has defined Senior Citizen in Maharashtra as an individual over the age of 65. According to National Policy of Older Persons, 99 approved by Central Cabinet, all Citizens of India of 60(+) are notified as Senior Citizens. Part 1 of State Policy also defines Senior Citizen as individual of 60(+) and State have issued Identity Cards to all with 60(+). This has deprived 35% of 1.2 crore Senior Citizens of Maharashtra from various concessions & facilities, they were getting till 30-9-13 without giving them opportunity to represent or heard.

State can restrict concessions for any and all schemes to citizens of 60(+) to 65 but cannot change the definition of senior citizen, which is 60(+) for all Indian Citizens. Many facilities like security of property & life, old age homes etc under Maintenance Act, 2007 and various other facilities like separate Q, Indira Gandhi National Pension of Rs 200 given by Central Government to BPL senior citizens, Banks giving 1/2 % extra interest, free health care in government hospitals to all senior citizens of 60(+) as per GR no. MAG/2004/138/pra.ka.-20 arogya 3-mantralaya dt 21-7-04 & GR no. sankarna 2006/pra.ka. 118/2006/navi-20 dt 12-12-06,  railway fares, use of Day Care Centres, tourist concessions, preference in dealing with their representations/grievances, preference in gas & telephone connections etc due to withdrawal of Identity Cards as Senior Citizens.

As there is unrest amongst senior citizens of Maharashtra, immediate action may kindly be taken to restore the definition of senior citizen, sending copy of State Policy by return.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Working of CIC.

"Democracy requires an informed citizenry and transparency of
information which are vital to its functioning and also to contain corruption and to
hold Governments and their instrumentalities accountable to the governed".

IInd Appeal under Section 19(3) of The Right To Information Act, 2005.              (Senior Citizen Priority Case as per CIC`s Circular no. CIC/Legal/2007/006 dt 13-2-08 and Minutes of Meeting of Commission held on 13-12-11 and as per RTI Disclosure by CIC under Sec 4(1) b &c. -Proof of Age given to AA)

To

The Central Information Commission (Right To Information Act, 2005),

Government of India, R.No. 326, Bhikaji Cama Place,New Delhi-110066.

                Greetings on International Day of Older Persons, 2013.

1) Name of the Applicant:             M.V.Ruparelia. Age: 80        D.O.B. 1-3-34.

Address: A503 Rashami Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East).  Dist. Thane 

 401 107. Telephone No.& E/Mail:   M.09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

2) Name of CPIO with Address to whom Application was addressed: Shri P K P Shreyashkar, Nodal CPIO & Director, CIC, B Wing-August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066.

3) Name of First Appellate Authority & address who decided the First Appeal: Shri Tarun Kumar, First Appellate Authority and Joint Secretary, Central Information Commission, Government of India, August Kranti Bhawan, B Wing, Room no. 302, 2^nd Floor, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110 066.   

4) Particulars of Application: i) Application dt 12-6-13. Ist Appeal dt 28-7-13 (Copies enclosed).  

5)  Particulars of the Orders including number, if any, against which the Appeal is preferred: Orders no.CIC/AA/A/2012/303 dt 13-9-13 (Copy enclosed) received on 23-9-13.

6) Grounds for Appeal:

a) In the office of CIC, there is no Grievance Officer or Grievance Solving Machinery. For grievances created due to inefficient and careless working of staff, Citizens have to pay fee of Rs 10 and file an Application, 1^st Appeal & IInd Appeals for bringing such incorrect actions to the notice of Public Authority viz CIC. CPIO & AA are dealing with such Applications by playing games of words. e.g. When information is requested for IInd Appeal of Ministry of Social Justice, information is given for letter of the same date pertaining to Ministry of Railways!! When some papers are found as a result of Application with dy registrar of unconcerned ministry, information is given by nodal CPIO but papers are not got transferred to concerned registrar on the plea that RTI permits to give information, as existed in records and do not permit to rectify/take action by streamlining the procedure!! Dy Registrar maintains that he has not received papers and takes no action to get papers from unconcerned Dy registrar nor nodal CPIO/AA get these papers transferred! AA supports CPIOs and does not get incorrect information rectified or to give reasons for arriving at any decisions and is in hurry to dispose of appeal and asking the appellant to go in appeal to CIC.

Para 3 of DOPT circular no. 10/23/2007-IR dt 9-7-2007 reads as under:-

b) It is repeatedly observed that proper care is not taken to deal with our applications & appeals. We are representing public interest cases of senior citizens and come to CIC for help in getting proper information from public authorities. As per Mandate & Policy Statement of National Policy, 99 of Government of India (Copy enclosed for information and following by CIC also, being the apex authority of Government of India at the national level to support programmes of the Government and 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.) One of the main aims of RTI Act, 2005 is to streamline the working of Public Authorities. We have been pointing out our difficulties found in systems/procedures followed in CIC Office. In support of our statement that information given is incorrect, we elaborate our stand by giving our difficulties. These are taken as grievances and not the defects in working required to be streamlined/rectified and appeal is disposed off without giving correct information. We would request you to help us by streamlining the working of CIC Office and bringing the Mandate & Policy Statement  of National Policy, 99 to the notice of all concerned.

8) Information not given:

a) AA has stated in his orders that efforts were made to contact the appellant over phone but the same was not reachable. On the day of hearing at 11-30 on 13-9-13, I contacted phone no.26180514 at 12-29 hrs, as there was no call to me. I was informed that meeting is on and I will be called. No call came throughout the day or on subsequent days, as in the past, call was given by AA on subsequent 3^rd day and promised to talk later for remaining items, which he never did. As regards his saying that efforts were made to contact the appellant over phone but the same was not reachable, it is stated that no miss call or any indication came on my phone. There were no phones from or to from my phone for the whole day to anybody to keep my phone busy or unreachable. Landline number was also given.

b) In this case, we had requested to advise procedure followed for registering appeals and letters, as we are finding it difficult to locate position in Status Position. Simple information is requested in item i) of application dt 12-6-13 and Appeal dt 28-7-13 as under:

*1. As many of IInd appeals are registered very late in Status Position and no date and subject given by appellant is indicated in any case and name of Public Authority is omitted in many cases, where to find the ON LINE registration like SA/UG/13/F818W72G and whether all IInd Appeals are first diarized as letter in Status Position of Diary shown in web site. This information is not being given. To understand our difficulties, please, see whether anybody is able to see Status position of the following IInd Appeals and letters sent by Registered Post in Status position. This information is given in support of our request for information about procedure followed:

SR No.    IInd Appeal date     CIC no & date       Public Authority

 1             28-3-13               Not yet registered     Min of Panchayati Raj

              2            23-4-13                  -do-                        Min of Housing & P.A

.             3            12-8-10                     -do-                      Min of Social Justice       

 4.           30-6-12                    -do-                        Postal Department   

5.           16-7-12       12 letters were addressed to different ICs and Dy. Registrars by name with copy of proof of age as enclosure but not a single appears to have registered till date even after 75 days!!

6.           17-7-12.     4 letters were addressed to different ICs and Dy Registrars by name with copy of proof of age as enclosure but not a single appears to have registered till date even after 74 days!!

*2. Information about existing orders/procedure as to within how much time, IInd appeals are required to be registered is not being given, though there are written orders that appellants can see the status position after 15 days of sending Appeal.

*3. In item ii), 7 cases of late registration were given in support of the information requested. This is treated as grievance and requested information is denied without examining the incorrectness of information given on the plea that these are grievances!!.

*4 In item iii), it was pointed out that CPIO has given wrong/incomplete information. Instead of getting correct information, case is closed stating that these are treated as grievance and correct information about any of the 7 items in application dt 12-6-13 is denied without giving reasons for arriving at such decision. Kindly, give correct information for at least the following 4 cases, as registration is now done for 3 cases, though very late.

*5.  Information given in each of these 4 cases is not correct and action is required to be taken as under:

a)     IInd Appeal dt 30-6-12 against Postal Department: Purpose of coming to Nodal CPIO was to help in tracing IInd Appeal dt 30-6-12 not appearing in Status Position and to get date of hearing fixed, as more than 1 year is over. Now that original papers are found, please get them handed over to IC (BS). At least such repeated careless working of mixing up papers (28 pages) should be discussed in Thursday Meetings prescribed in CIC circular no. 12/8/2008-cic/ADMN dt 4-7-08 and registrars and staff counseled for such careless working resulting in harassment to citizens, as main aim of RTI Act, 2005 is to streamline the working of Public Authority. Compensation for such careless dealings should be awarded. This item is still not appearing in Status position.

b)     Letter dt 5-2-13 is a reminder for above IInd Appeal dt 30-6-12. When this letter dt 5-2-13 is addressed by name to Shri A.K.Jha, Dy Registrar, it may kindly be investigated as to which illiterate person had sent it to IC(AD) and which illiterate person accepted it and placed on irrelevant file and kindly give correct information/position.

c)     You may kindly see reply dt 14-6-13, which again indicates that some illiterate person has put up completely incorrect reply for some other case no. CIC/SM/A//2011/002203 and dy registrar has just signed it, as there was no letter of same date for case no.002203. How Shri Jha gets a dream to connect file 002203 pertaining to President of India for letter dt 21-3-13 addressed to Shri Basant Seth by name for Postal department? Kindly, give correct information. Arguing and playing games with words that according to RTI Act, information, as available in records only is to be given and no action is to be taken for rectifying the blunders by streamlining the work does not help the citizen and very important Aim of the Act of streamlining and giving correct information to citizens is not fulfilled.

d)     You may kindly see my Application for this item. I have requested information for IInd Appeal dt 12-8-10 and information is again and again being given for some letter of same date pertaining to Rail Ministry`s file no. 001260. This very CPIO has dealt with this IInd Appeal dt 12-8-10 earlier 3 times with same incorrect information!! AA had informed in earlier case in January, 13 that he had asked Shri DC Singh to register this and I should send him all papers etc again, though all papers were traced and available in office of CIC.  I have sent all papers immediately to him in duplicate with one copy each to CPIO and AA of Ministry of Social Justice, making me spend lot of money to get papers typed and zeroxed for sending 4 copies. Compensation should be given for such careless working instead of hurryingly disposing of appeal. I reminded Shri Singh twice but no case no. 00805, as stated by AA appear in Status Position till date, hence this item. Correct position my kindly be given.

9)  Prayer or Relief:  Kindly, get proper correct information.

10)  Whether 2 sets sent: Yes.

11) Page numbering:      Done bottom toward top.

12) Whether self attested all documents:  Yes.

13) An Index:  Attached.                                                                             

14) 1 full set to CPIO & A.A.:    Sent.

                                                                                                              (M.V.Ruparelia) 

Mira Road:  1-10-13.                                                                    Signature of the Applicant

Copy along with all enclosures forwarded to:-

i)                Shri P K P Shreyashkar, Nodal CPIO & Director, CIC, B Wing-August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066.

ii)              Shri Tarun Kumar, First Appellate Authority and Joint Secretary, Central Information Commission, Government of India, August Kranti Bhawan, B Wing, Room no. 302, 2^nd Floor, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110 066. 

                                                               Index:

Sr No.  Name of Document.                                                                        Page No.

1	Application dt 12-6-13.	1
2	Reply of CPIO no. CIC/CPIO/2013/759 dt 18-7-13	2-3
3	Ist appeal dt 28-7-13.	4-6
4	Reply of A.A. no. CIC/AA/A/2013/303 DT 13-9-13 received on 23-9-13.	7-8

World Elder Day, 2013. : Our Representation dt 22-8-13 to President of India.

  To                                                                                                 Date: 7-9-13.

 Respected Shri Satpal Chuhanji, 

Jt Secretary (Co-ord & PG), Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, Room no. 9,

New Delhi.

Sub: World Elder Day, 2013.

Ref: Our Representation dt 22-8-13 to President of India.

We had requested President of India in our representation dt 22-8-13 (PRSEC/E/2013/13557) to get instructions issued to States/UTs to celebrate International Day of Older Persons with enthusiasm and make each Elder of the Country feel happy and respected on that day and cherish the memory of celebrations of that day for a long time like Valentine Day etc. At present, in Metro City like Mumbai neither State nor many of the Media even mentions anything about this International Day. State celebrates at Pune but does not issue any instructions for celebrations at District level or ward level. Now that President has transferred this Representation to you for needful, we shall be thankful, if you issue detailed instructions to States/UTs, Media etc in time to celebrate this International Day in befitting manner.

We had brought out 10 main issues for Elders of the Country as under and we shall be thankful, if Ministry of Home Affairs looks in to them for needful.  

1.     Celebrate This International Day in a befitting way. Please, issue elaborate instructions to each Stake Holder to celebrate this day with sincerity, vigor and fun fare like Valentine’s Day. Let each Ministry, PSU, Corporate, State/UT at District and Municipal/Panchayat level and Media celebrate and involve all citizens including their serving employees, children etc. In some Countries, this is declared as holiday. All must be encouraged to visit Elders, take them for treat, picnic, film, give presents etc and make this day memorable for them. These Elders have achieved Independence and Present Economic Prosperity for the Nation. Today is an opportunity for us all to show our gratitude for the contributions of older people - by spending time with an elderly neighbor, volunteering at a retirement home etc.

2.     Implement Important Provisions of Declared and Notified National Policy, 99: 

3.     Provide Separate Ministry/Department/Commission for 12 crore Senior Citizens & Pensioners (10% of total population, 13% of electorate and 21% of effective voters).

4.     Provide Avenues of Utilization of Elders:

5.     Provide Negotiating Machinery: Negotiation & Dissemination of Information to Elders is completely neglected by Nodal Ministry. 

6.     Create respect for Elders in the Society & Government and strengthen the legitimate place of Elders in the Society.

7.     Implement Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 fully by providing Old Age Home in each District, making District Magistrates give wide publicity to the Act and about Government Programmes for welfare of Elders; by establishing State Councils; District Committees; preparing up to date lists of all senior citizens living in jurisdiction of each Police Station and forming of Volunteers` Committees for each Police Station.

8.     Get Cooperation of all Newspapers, private TV Channels and Bollywood etc: This  is absolutely necessary for creative use of entire Media for highlighting continuously the changing situations of Elders, active ageing, intergeneration bonds etc

9.      Increase Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS): 

10.   Get Integrated Programmes for Older Persons (IPOP)Implemented fully for improving the quality of life of the Older Persons by enforcing Municipalities/Panchayats to provide 16 Schemes in each ward by time bound targets.

Recently, MHA has issued instructions on 30-8-13 to States/UTs for safety of seniors as per News in Times of India. We are very much thankful of MHA for this. We shall be thankful, if a copy of these instructions is sent to us.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

GERIATRIC CARE IN INDIA:

GERIATRIC CARE IN INDIA:      M.V.Ruparelia.

There is a general impression that diseases and disability are part of old age. This is not very true. According to Dr Deepak Chopra, body is ageless. Medical Science is progressing towards very long life span! WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The concept of Active and Healthy Ageing needs to be promoted among the elderly, which includes promotional, preventive and rehabilitative aspects of health. Although one cannot reverse the aging process, one can find effective ways to cope with it.  The promotion of “aging well” and improved well-being may reduce lifetime health care expenditure. People who get the right start in life, follow healthy lifestyles and take good care of their health can expect to remain active during their eighth, ninth and even tenth decade of life," said Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of WHO.

According to the World Health Organization, India has just 6.5 physicians to every 10,000 patients. By comparison, China has 14.2 doctors, while Britain has 27.4 physicians for the same
number of patients. At present, more than half of the elderly have one or more chronic disease and disability. The ten most common diseases are:  hypertension, cataract, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, benign prosthetic hypertrophy, dyspepsia, constipation and depression. The five most frequent causes of death in the elderly are bronchitis and pneumonia, ischemic heart disease, stroke, cancer and tuberculosis. There is special need for health care of oldest old (80+); Elderly Women and Rural Poor Elders. One-third of Indian women are tobacco users. Nearly 14 percent of older Indians are suffering from depression. The Health ministry's own data says that one out of every four elderly persons in India is depressed; one in three suffers from arthritis while one in five cannot hear. While one in three suffers from hypertension, almost half have poor vision. The elderly population will increase to 12% of the total population by 2025, 10% of which would be bedridden, requiring utmost care. According to the 2006 World Population Prospects, by 2050, the number of Indians aged above 80 will increase more than six times from existing 78 lakh to about 5.14 crore.

The United Nations Office on Ageing and the International Association of Gerontology have jointly developed the Research Agenda on Ageing for the 21st Century. Initiated mainly to support the implementation of the International Plan for Action on Ageing, the research agenda was adopted by the Second World Assembly on Ageing at Madrid, Spain, in 2002. It aimed to elaborate and implement public policies on ageing and influence the direction and priorities for scientific gerontology in the coming decades. This was built on the substantial body of knowledge and expertise regarding gerontology and related fields accumulated over time.

An ideal preventive geriatric scheme should include various components such as knowledge and awareness about disease conditions and steps for their prevention and management; good nutrition and balanced diet and physical exercise. For the promotion of a positive mindset and to create a feeling of well being, meditation, prayer, and strategies for motivation should also be included. Home service is very important for senior citizens. Unless a problem is serious and calls for hospitalization, the elderly are best treated at home. India was among the first countries to ratify UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which have come into effect from 3rd May, 2008. As per the provisions under Article 25 of UNCRPD, the health services needed by persons with disabilities should be provided as close to people’s own communities, including in rural areas. In addition, at present there is huge shortage of manpower of doctors in geriatrics in the country. At present, elderly health care is part of the general health care system. As the elderly suffer from multiple chronic and disabling diseases, it becomes difficult for them to run from pillar to post to get appropriate health care. Moreover the general health care system is not adequately sensitized to the health needs of elderly.

At a recent seminar organized by the World Health Organization, Dr Giridhara R Babu, associate professor, Public Health Foundation of India, pointed out that 40 per cent of hospitalized persons borrowed money, mortgaged property or sold assets to bear hospital expenses annually. Dr Babu feels insufficient funds and lack of accountability in the public health sector drive millions of Indians into poverty every year.

The need of the hour therefore is to set up geriatric wards that would fulfill the specific needs of the geriatric population. Professional training in Geriatrics and Gerontology needs to be promoted. Research in Geriatrics and Gerontology needs is to be encouraged. Improving the quality of life of the elderly calls for a holistic approach and concerted efforts are required to be made by the health and health-related sectors. Government has come up with a very comprehensive scheme to meet all health requirements of senior citizens. The National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly (NPHCE) is an articulation of the International and national commitments of the Government as envisaged under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) adopted by the Government of India in 1999 & Section 20 of “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007” dealing with provisions for medical care of Senior Citizen. The Vision of the NPHCE is:

i)                To provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to an Ageing population;

ii)               Creating a new "architecture" for Ageing;

iii)             To build a framework to create an enabling environment for "a Society for all Ages";

iv)              To promote the concept of Active and Healthy Ageing;

v)                Convergence with National Rural Health Mission, AYUSH and other line departments like Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The NPHCE expects to have 20 institutions with strength to produce 40 post-graduates in geriatric medicine per year, additional 6,400 beds in district hospitals and 1,000 beds in medical colleges for the elderly by 2017. India recently joined 10 other south-east Asian countries to adopt the Yogyakarta Declaration on Ageing and Health, committing to improving national response to the health of ageing population.

At District level, NPHCE is presently being implemented in 100 selected districts of 21 states and at tertiary level, 8 Regional Geriatric Centres (RGCs) are being developed at identified major medical institutions at various regions of the country for referral treatment, research and man power development etc. As regards progress at district level, most of the districts have started Geriatric OPDs with 10 beded geriatric wards. Bi-weekly clinics & Weekly Geriatric Clinics have been started at various CHCs & PHCs respectively. In addition, many districts have reported opening of daily geriatric physiotherapy clinics. At the RGCs, Geriatric OPDs have been started in all 8 RGCs-Regional Geriatric Centres  viz: 1. All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi. 2. Madras Medical College, Chennai.  3. Grant Medical College & J.J. Hospital, Mumbai. 4. Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, (SKIMS), J&K. 5.  Government Medical College, Thiruvanthapuram. 6. Guwahati Medical College, Assam. 7. Dr S N Medical College, Jodhpur.8. Banaras Hindu University, U.P.

Indoor services with 30 bedded wards have also been established in most of the Regional Geriatric Centres.

Since inception of NPHCE in 2010-11, expenditure incurred is Rs 4115.46 lakh during 2010-11, Rs 7170.27 lakh during 2011-12 and Rs 6855.84 during 2012-13. The provision made for 2013-14 is Rs 15000 lakh.

NCD cell will sensitize public about the Health Care of the Elderly promotion of healthy life style and services made available under the programme. Mass media through Radio, Television, Print media will be used for public awareness using the most effective channels that have reach to the community. Mid media and locally prevalent folk media may also be used to reach the targeted. Recently “Swasth Bharat Programme” has been launched which is being telecast from 30 Regional Centres of Doordarshan and 28 Regional Centres of All India Radio respectively five days a week on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and other diseases in India including chronic kidney disease. 

Other measures needed are: i) Supervision of the elderly health facilities available in their areas by Active Senior Citizens and their Associations and to connect elderly to such healthcare system. ii) Training of local supervisors by health and social experts.iii) Provide orientation and guidance to families of elderly. iv) Incorporate  group activities and foster capable leaders as local supervisors amongst elderly community and encourage social networking.

A review conducted by the Union health ministry before some time has however found that most states have failed to honour or execute the much-touted National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly (NPHCE). Of the 91 districts expected to start a geriatric clinic by now, only 22 have managed to do so. Worse, just a dozen districts have set up a 10-bed geriatric ward. Only three districts — Mewat and Yamunanagar in Haryana and Leh in Jammu & Kashmir — have started running a bi-weekly geriatric clinic in a community health centre. And, only two districts - Mewat and Leh — have started a weekly geriatric clinic in a primary health centre. In Punjab, a geriatric clinic and geriatric ward will come up in Bhatinda, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur soon. Ministry officials say none of the steps - setting up of a geriatric clinic, ward or holding bi-weekly clinics — have been rolled out in states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. A ministry official said, "We have released funds under the NPHCE for creating the stipulated wards and running the clinics in 91 districts across 21 states. Initially, we sent the funds to 30 districts by March, 2011, and then to the rest by March, 2012. However very few states have done any work. In the 12th Plan, we intend to take NPHCE to all the districts in the country. Our target is to reach 100 districts every year." This position may change, if Active Senior Citizens and their Associations continuously represent and agitate to get these facilities provided in their areas for which funds are available from Ministry of Health and Planning Commission.

Education and Recognition of 12 crore Elders as Resource & Think-Tank of the Country. Ref: Various Provisions in

M.V.Ruparelia, 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: 25-8-13.

Shri Shashi Tharoor, Hon. Minister of State for Human Resource Development,

Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110001.

Dear Sir, 

Sub:  Education and Recognition of 12 crore Elders as Resource & Think-Tank of the Country.

Ref: Various Provisions in National Policy of Older Persons, 1999 and our representation dt. 24-7-12 to Shri Kapil Sibalji, the then Minister, followed by RTI Application dt 1-9-12, 1^st Appeal dt 15-10-12 and letters to Shri Ashok Thakur, Secretary, Higher Education on 20-12-12 & 17-2-13 and letter dt  27-3-13 to DR. M. MANGAPATI PALLAM RAJU, Hon. Minister  to which no replies are received.

We were very much impressed by your charm, wit, eloquence, good work at UNO and continuous presence on Social Media brought out in your Interview by Srilekha Pillai published in Smt Tina Ambani`s popular Magazine- Harmony, Celebrate Age for August, 2013.We have noted your burning desire to fulfill the potential of India to give decent life to all its citizens. We are happy to note your self confidence for your realization that your personal interventions made a huge amount of difference and things, you have done at UNO has made a real difference to people`s lives. United Nation has proclaimed its policy for Elders in General Assembly in 1992 and has been encouraging governments to design & implement their policies for Elders from time to time. The theme for International Day of Older Persons, 1st October 2013 is ``THE FUTURE WE WANT -WHAT OLDER PERSONS ARE SAYING.``

2.As you have stated that you do not know enough about policies for Elders, we may state that our Government has notified National Policy for Older Persons, 99 with the approval of Cabinet on 13-2-99, covering all aspects required to be taken into account for real welfare of Older Persons. It is really a very comprehensive and extraordinary document leaving not a single aspect affecting the lives of Senior Citizens with clear directives for implementation. You, being prolific and quick reader, we request you to go through this very well presented Policy.  It has been provided in its Mandate & Policy Statement 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. 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. Ministry of HRD is one of the the apex authorities of Government of India at the national level to formulate policies, sponsor and support programmes of the Government. It is regretted that Ministry of HRD has not taken any steps to act as per these provisions in Mandate & Policy Statement and various provisions of the Policy, 99 pertaining to HRD Ministry even after 14 full years. The essence of Human Resource Development is education, which plays a significant and remedial role in balancing the socio-economic fabric of the Country. Motto of Human Resource Development Ministry is ``All for Knowledge & Knowledge for All.``

3. 12 crore Elders of the Country (10% of total population, 13% of electorate and 21% of effective voters) are declared  as huge untapped resource by Government of India with approval of Cabinet on 13-2-99 in National Policy, 99 (Para 78) for which facilities are to be made available to use their potentiality as per their choice. We request our sincere, thinker, philosopher and enlightened Minister to prepare a detailed Scheme to develop this untapped resource of the Country for last spell of their life and provide avenues for utilization of this experienced vast human force of 12 crore Elders. Special programmes are required to be designed, so that they can enrich and update their knowledge, integrate tradition with contemporary needs and transmit more effectively the Socio-Cultural heritage to school children and youths. As per para 81 of Policy, 99, programmes are also to be developed to promote family values, sensitize the young on the necessity & desirability of inter-generational bonding and continuity of meeting filial obligations of children. Paras 55 to 58 of Policy lay down detailed guidelines and directives to meet the education, training and information needs of Elders. Open Universities are expected to develop packages using distance education learning techniques. Educational curriculums at all stages of formal and non-formal education have to incorporate material to strengthen inter-generational bonds etc.  Let Good Institutes open their doors and give as many facilities as possible to Senior Citizens for passing time usefully in their crucial phase of life. They will be useful to the Institute & the Society with their varied experience in various fields. As per para 83, Medical colleges and research institutions are required to set up centres of gerontology studies and geriatrics. An inter-disciplinary coordinating body with national status for research for gerontological issues, sensitization programmes on ageing etc is to be established. There are large number of paras in which HRD Ministry has to take initiative and take very early action.

4.We request you to create vast avenues for useful utilization of this ever increasing vast resource of Senior Citizens as laid down in Policy. As you know, idle mind is devil`s workshop and having no such avenues for utilization, large number of Senior Citizens abuse themselves. A person retires from service, he feels he has done a lot and now deserves rest! He rests and does not remain active, resulting in deteriorating health & connected problems! He abuses himself!! He develops inertia of doing nothing. He feels, he need not waste his energy, which requires to be preserved at this age! He forgets that we have unlimited energy and even in active life, we have used a very small % of our energy. He forgets that majority of our Ministers are Senior Citizens working enthusiastically for welfare of masses. In old age also, we have unlimited energy and the Principle is ``USE IT OR LOOSE IT. As older persons constitute an ever-increasing proportion of the total population, they have the potential to become more influential politically, economically and socially. Fulfilling this potential would be in line with the objectives of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which is to ensure that people age with security and dignity and continue to participate fully in their societies as citizens with full rights. We have to provide some honorary or paid work to all as per their qualification, inclination and timings etc. We have to lay down an humane Policy for utilization of very large portion of our citizens, who will be 20% of the population shortly by 2050 and if allowed to idle for long life of 30-40 years after retirement, there would be insurmountable problem for the Society & Country.

5.We have large number of intelligent officers and staff in your Ministry and thinker like you can make out a Scheme with their experience for avenues for utilization and education & training of our Elders. You may consider part time jobs like (i) monitoring some 5 schools by a senior citizen in his near about  area for moral lessons to students etc (ii) Appointments on Advisory Committees of Schools, Colleges, Municipality for supervising civic facilities, gardens, gyms, temples, encroachment on footpaths etc (iii) Looking after welfare activities of Corporate Houses under CSR funds utilization (iv) Government programmes like teaching adults, street children, Family Planning, polio drops, drug abuse, respect for women, census, elections, help in law and order situations etc  (v) Visits to schools, colleges, Hospitals, Old Men Homes. (vi)  Counseling & helping needy Senior Citizens etc.

6.With your dynamic personality & tact of handling all situations very efficiently and expertly, we are sure that you will do needful quickly, sincerely and give to the States/UTs a detailed Scheme on 1^st October, 13- the International Day of Older Persons for early implementation with targets.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)