Welfare of 12 lakh Senior Citizens of Mumbai- Effective facility to Senior Citizens for entering suburban trains as per observations of Bombay High Court in PIL no. 243 of 2009.

To                                     Mumbai. Date: 22-7-14.

Respected MPs of Mumbai.

Sub: Welfare of 12 lakh Senior Citizens of Mumbai- Effective facility to Senior Citizens for entering suburban trains as per observations of Bombay High Court in PIL no. 243 of 2009.

1.      As you are aware suburban trains of Mumbai are overcrowded and senior citizens of Mumbai are deprived of travelling in these trains due to their ageing incapacity to enter these trains. As per Government policy, they are required to be provided with Age-friendly, barrier-free access in buses and bus stations, railways and railway stations, airports and bus transportation within the airports, banks, hospitals, parks, places of worship, cinema halls, shopping malls and other public places which senior citizens and the disabled frequent. BEST, NMMT, TMT, MBMT, ST- all transport corporations in Mumbai have accepted the Government Policy and provided separate seats & separate entrance for Senior Citizens with specific provision to utilize 2 additional seats meant for handicapped, if vacant in spite of their buses going more crowded than Suburban trains. In fact, BEST has recently increased the reservation to 5 seats i.e. 10% of total seats. Banks, Passport Offices, Post Offices have provided separate Counters for Senior Citizens. It is only Railways, which have miserably failed to follow this Policy for last 15 years for Suburban Trains on wrong pretext of inconvenience to other passengers, resulting in abuse of Senior Citizens of the Mumbai by Railways. This argument of inconvenience to others is not kept in view, while increasing Ladies Specials & 3 coaches to Handicapped in 15 coach-trains!! The fact that large numbers of Senior Citizens travel, somehow daily, in crowded trains also is forgotten. These very senior citizen passengers are to be given a facility of entering without difficulty and seating due to their age & physical condition and as a respect to Elders of the Country as per Government Policy.

2.      High Court of Mumbai in para 4 of above PIL has observed that ``if seats are earmarked for senior citizens in general II class compartment, we fail to understand as to how senior citizens, specially who are above 65 or 70 years of age, will be able to enter II class general compartments to avail of the reserved seats.----the facility has to be an effective facility so that those who deserve the benefit must be able to avail of the same.``

3.      As per Press Reports, above PIL was processed on 27-6-14 and Western Railway has not agreed to give separate coach to senior citizens but Court has not passed orders and awaiting response of Central Railway and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Delhi..

4.      In this connection, we want to bring out to your notice that no separate coach is to be manufactured but only in one of the 12/15 coaches, separate Entrance is to be provided by putting fencing (Jhali) on one side of the coach in the similar way, as separate entrance is provided in some existing 1^st Class Gent coaches for ladies in Central & Western Railways. Providing a separate entrance/coach of 13 seats to your ageing segment of society, who are frail & handicapped due to no fault of theirs but only due to ageing process, for whom Government has provided specific policy in 1999, will not create great inconvenience to general passengers, as 14 seats reserved in 2 compartments can be surrendered in lieu of separate coach/separate entrance in one side of a coach. As all IInd Class compartments on both ends have a capacity of 13 seats, one side corner of only one coach in the entire train of 12/15 coach can be earmarked for Senior Citizens by blocking entry of general passengers for that particular side of one coach. This will not cause much inconvenience to general passengers, who have got advantage of increased number of trains and 12 & 15 coaches now in place of 9 coaches earlier with Metro trains and Mono Rails. Western Railway had accepted the necessity and demand for separate second class half compartment for exclusive use by senior citizens in their letter no. C436/32/1 Vol V(3) dt 18-1-2005 and had requested Railway Board to permit this. Now, Railway Board have given clear orders in their letter no. 2011/TG-1/19/214(RTI)  dt 20-1-12 to both Railways that earmarking of accommodation in suburban trains is to be done by the local Railways.

5.      As per News Reports, Western Railway is going to provide 14 AC trains shortly on suburban section with 12 coaches. This AC train can carry 600 (50*12) passengers as against non-AC train carrying 5000 passengers. Western Railway is thus prepared to reduce track capacity  to such a great extent by such unasked for facility for elites but do not want to follow laid down Policy of Government of India to provide SEPARATE ENTRANCE to their ageing ELDERS. When it can provide 2 coaches for handicapped in 12 coaches and 3 in 15 coach-trains & more & more Ladies Specials, reasons for their argument that separate coach for senior citizens cannot be provided by curtailing the available seats for general public, as there is no curtailment but increase of 1 seat by providing separate Entrance for 13 seats in lieu of 7 seats earmarked for senior citizens in 2 compartments.

12 lakh Senior Citizens of Mumbai will be thankful, if Mumbai BJP or any of the MPs become party to this PIL and bring out correct position to the notice of High Court and get us justice and this very much needed facility of separate entrance without much causing inconvenience to our younger generation, which is capable to travel of their own.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(  M.V.Ruparelia  )

Information in respect Of Action taken on Memorandum no. 1/6/2011-IR dt 15-4-13 for SUO MOTU Disclosure of various provisions of National Policy of Older Persons, 99; Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007; Integrated Programmes of Older Persons, 2008; National Programme for Health Care of Elders, 2011 etc.

 M.V.Ruparelia, Chief Patron, All India Confederation of Senior Citizens (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: 14-7-14.

Shri Ratan P. Watal, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Room No. 129A, North Block, New Delhi-110101.

Respected Sir, 

Sub:   Information in respect Of Action taken on Memorandum no. 1/6/2011-IR dt 15-4-13 for SUO MOTU Disclosure of various provisions of National Policy of Older Persons, 99; Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007; Integrated Programmes of Older Persons, 2008; National Programme for Health Care of  Elders, 2011 etc.

Ref: Our representation dt 7-4-14 to you replied by Shri S M Gupta, Under Secretary & CPIO under his letter no. F. 11 (20)/2014-RTI dt 24-6-14.

As explained in the past, 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. It is not clear from above communication whether our letter dt 7-4-14 and DOPT`s letter dt 15-4-13 requiring specifically to be put up to you were put up to you and you have passed specific orders on this important subject. Coordinating Secretary of Finance Ministry has to consider all provisions of DOPT letter dt 15-4-13 and decide whether any department of Finance Ministry has to suo motu disclose under sec 4 of RTI Act, 2005 any provisions of any of the four notified policies for welfare of senior citizens and unreplied representations from senior citizens and their organizations.

 It is observed that Finance Ministry is not taking any action on various provisions in these notified Policies and when representations are sent by individual senior citizens and their organizations, no action is being taken. E.g. our All India Senior Citizens Confederation representing more than 10 lakh elders of the entire country write letters throughout the year to Finance Minister & Ministry officials, send resolutions, observe National Protest Day on 16^th August every year for last many years and send demands pertaining to Finance Ministry to Minister and many individuals and organizations also send representations for consideration of Finance Ministry but no action is being taken inspite of clear directives in the notified Policies. Standing Parliamentary Committee on implementation of schemes for welfare of senior citizens in their 39^th Report (2013-14) has also criticized non-implementation of notified policies.

We give few examples of clear directives in National Policy, 99 for which action is required to be taken by Finance Ministry without waiting for any proposals from any Ministry and are required to be shown in SUO MOTU Disclosure of Finance Ministry as per DOPT directive dt 15-4-13. If these provisions are not to be implemented and not shown in Disclosure under Sec 4 of RTI Act, 2005 by Finance Ministry, please indicate which Ministry has to send proposals for these provisions:-

i)                 Para 24 of NPOP, 99: Some level of income security in old age is goal of the Government, which will be given high priority. Policy instruments to cover different income segments will be developed etc.

ii)               Para 28: Taxation Policies will reflect sensitivity to financial problems of older persons, which accelerate due to very high costs of medical and nursing care, transportation and support services needed at home etc. Unless, this is included in Disclosure and referred to from time to time, especially at the time of annual exercise of Budget, how this can be implemented.  Giving same concession, as to general citizens of Rs 50000 without examining and accepting this provision of seeing sensitivity to financial problems of older persons, which accelerate every year due to very high costs of medical and nursing care, transportation and support services needed at home and any considerations for 80(+) and considering higher rebates for medical expenses etc, there is no implementation.

iii)             Para 29: Long term savings instruments to be promoted, ensuring that payments at the end are attractive enough to care of likely erosion in purchasing power due to erosion/inflation. Unless this is included in Disclosure and referred from time to time and at the time of budget, how higher rates of interest from time to time can be laid down and ensured. State Bank of India gives ¼% extra and other Banks ½% extra for years together. Finance Ministry has to ensure that higher rates are laid down from time to time and Banks made to pay.

iv)              Paras 34, 36 & 38: Health Insurance has to be given high priority to cater to the needs of different income segments, providing for varying contributions and benefits. Trusts, charitable societies and voluntary agencies are to be assisted by grants, tax reliefs etc to provide free, concessional medical facilities to older persons.  Shastri Committee was nominated by Finance Ministry and IRDA had given its recommendations under their letter no. 3/IRDA/Health/SRCC/09-10 dt 25-5-2009 to Ministry of Finance but this is not yet finalized. This has to be shown in Disclosure and referred from time to time till finalized.

v)               Para 63: Welfare Fund has to be created by Finance Ministry and not by any other Ministry. Tax concessions to others for contributions to such funds are also to be decided by Finance Ministry.

vi)              Paras 81 & 82: Finance Ministry has to decide quantum of tax relief, rebates for medical expenses from time to time for encouraging children to co-reside with their parents.

vii)            Para 12: Finance Ministry has to make effective provision for financial security of older persons from time to time.

viii)          Para 15: Finance Ministry has to strengthen from time to time the legitimate place of older persons in the Society and help them financially to live their last phase of life with purpose, dignity and peace. For this, Ministry should include this in their Disclosure and issue & reiterate instructions to all officials of the Ministry including all organizations like Banks etc under them.

ix)              Para 93: Preparation of Annual & Five Year Plan for all provisions pertaining to them and their disclosure must be ensured.

x)               All representations to Ministers and offices of Finance Ministry not replied are to be indicated in Disclosure as per para 3.3.1 of DOPT directive dt 15-4-13.

We shall be thankful, if the above points are examined in consultation with all Secretaries of Finance Ministry and detailed reasoned orders are given in terms of para 66 of Office Manual at an early date.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Framing of General Budget for 2014-15 to be presented on 11-7-14.

M.V.Ruparelia, Senior Citizen of 81, 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: 22-6-14.

Shri Arun Jaitleyji, Hon Minister of Finance,

Ministry of Finance, Government of India, North Block, New Delhi-110101.

Respected Sir, 

Sub: Framing of General Budget for 2014-15 to be presented on 11-7-14.

Our Culture respects our Elders and Our Finance Minister is one of us and as such Senior Citizens of our Country consider that they will be well-looked after by proper provisions in the ensuing Budget, keeping in view promises given to Elders in BJP Election Manifesto. We request to consider the following issues:-

i)                As Budget is very important document and whole Nation listens Budget Speeches, we request you to lay down a procedure that Finance Minister speaks something in his every Budget Speech about Senior Citizens bringing out the position of senior citizens prevailing in the Country during the year and provisions made for them during the year. This healthy practice will create an atmosphere in the entire Country- Society and Media also- to respect their Elders.

ii)              We request you to increase standard deduction of Income Tax for Senior Citizens, keeping in view high cost of medical & nursing care, transportation & support services needed at home and the fact that they do not use common services etc provided by government. All senior citizens may be exempted from Income Tax or higher limit fixed for them or at least Pension may be made tax free. Similarly, we request you to revise rate of monthly pension to BPL with provision to revise it at intervals so that inflation does not deflate its real purchasing power. Present contribution of Central Government for I.G.N.Pension at Rs 200 p.m. is a mockery of human beings! It is necessary to give relief to pensioners by merging 50% DA with Pension and giving some interim relief to meet with abnormal inflation.

iii)               National Policy, 99 provides for higher rates of interest on savings of senior citizens to assure them that payment at the end of stipulated periods are attractive enough to take care of likely erosion in purchasing power. Reserve Bank has authorized all Banks to formulate fixed deposit schemes for senior citizens, offering higher & fixed rates of interest.  State Bank of India pays ¼% extra, which is nothing but mockery of Elders. We request you to fix proper higher rates and get all Banks pay them. Most of the Elders retired before 1996 have meager savings due to meager settlement dues and are dependent on earnings from interest on such meager savings. Our Elders have fought for Independence and have played very important role in bringing present financial prosperity of the Country and deserve special treatment for their wellbeing by getting them higher interest on their savings, keeping in view increasing inflation.

iv)               Under Sec 80D, deduction of Rs 5000 is allowed for preventive check up. This limit may kindly be increased considerably; as such checkups, consultations with specialists and pathological checkups are very costly.  Such limit may be raised sufficiently high or separately fixed per individual like self, spouse etc for senior citizens.

v)                Senior Citizens, especially 80+ may be treated as disabled for purpose of Sec 80 DD or similar provision may be made for them.

vi)             Scope of Sec 80 DDD may please be expanded to include very expensive diseases requiring lifelong medicines worth Rs 3-5 thousand per month like Heart, Diabetes, IPF etc.

vii)           Deduction of Rs 10000 under Sec TTA for interest on Savings Bank Accounts may please be allowed on all types of Bank Interest like Fixed Deposit etc, as no one would keep big amounts in Savings Bank giving meager rate of 3-4 %.

viii)         Limit of Rs 1 lakh on various investments under Sec 80C may please be increased considerably for better savings for future.

ix)             Provide sufficient funds for implementation of all the 4 Policies (NPOP, 99; Maintenance Act, 2007; IPOP, 2008 and NPHCE, 2010) of the Government for Welfare of Senior Citizens.

x)               National Policy, 99 has laid down that the development of Health Insurance will be given high priority and various reliefs and concessions will be given to make it affordable. IRDA under their letter no. 3/IRDA/Health/SN/SRCC/09-10 dt 25-5-09 to Finance Ministry had recommended to give subsidy of Rs 2000 or any amount that may be fixed by Finance Ministry for every policy taken by Senior Citizen, relating the level of subsidy being afforded to the Below Poverty Line population etc. This may please be done early.

xi)             National Policy had also laid down creation of Welfare Fund for Senior Citizens. This may please be done.

With Blessings from all Elders of the Country,

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Meeting with all secretaries of State Government on 23-6-14 for State Policy for Senior Citizens.

M.V.Ruparelia, Senior Citizen of 81, Chief Patron, All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON) & RTI Activist.A503 Rashmi Utsav, Near Jangid Estate & Vijay Park, Mira Road (East) Dist. Thane. 401107. M. 09821732855. E/Mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in

To                                               Date: 22-6-14.

Shri G G Alhatji, Up-Sachiv (Coordination), Ministry of Social Justice  & Vishesh Sahaya, Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032.

Sub: Meeting with all secretaries of State Government on 23-6-14 for State Policy for Senior Citizens.

Ref: Your letter no. 2014/pra kra 271/sa ma su dt 19-6-14 to all secretaries etc and copy to me received by E/Mail dt 21-6-14.

I am very much thankful for inviting me for this Meeting. I wish Great Success to this Very Important Meeting and hope that its outcome will be beneficial to our Social Justice Ministry and 1.2 crore Senior Citizens of Maharashtra. While discussing and deciding the implementation strategies of various provisions of State Policy, we would request you to get the following actions not requiring funds taken by concerned authorities immediately and bring to their notice the Policy Statement of Government that each Public Authority has 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.

i)                As provided in State Policy, get instructions issued to all doctors practicing privately to charge concessional medical fees for older persons and also to Pathologists & Chemists to give concessions.

ii)              Get instructions issued/reiterated with targets to all Municipalities/Panchayats to provide Day Care Centres, Physiotherapy Centres etc (16 schemes under IPOP for which Central Nodal Ministry gives 90% grant) in each ward. When we contacted 3 Mumbai Municipal Corporations, they have stated that they do not have any instructions from State Government!

iii)            Get instructions issued to Municipalities/Panchayats for providing Nana Nani Parks, organizing entertainment programmes, concessional rates for cinemas, reserving some seats for elders etc.

iv)             Get instructions issued to Corporate Houses to earmark 10% of their CSR funds for welfare of elders.

v)               Get `` Senior Citizens Section ``established within a month.

vi)             Get instructions issued to exclusively reserve some Small Scale Industries for elders.

vii)           Get ``Democracy Day`` declared for hearing representations/complaints of elders.

viii)         Get State Council, District Coordination cum monitoring Committees for Senior Citizens and Volunteers Committees at each Police Station as statutorily laid down in Rules, 2010 established within a month and provide negotiating machinery at each level, ensuring dissemination of information to grassroots level, as provided in Rule 19 (2) (iv), 2010 of Maintenance Rules.

ix)             Get proper instructions issued for celebration of International Day on 1^st October to all subordinate offices and Municipalities with Vayoshreshtha Awards at ward level to State level etc for one week as per last instructions.

x)               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

The main issue to be decided in the meeting is about definition of Senior Citizen in Maharashtra for which many representations have been made. Government of India has defined a citizen of 60 and above as Senior Citizen. Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens, 2007 has also statutorily laid down the same age. Standing Committee of Lok Sabha (2013-14) in its 39 th Report has also desired the same. It is requested that our State Government also adhere to laws and Policies framed by Government of India.

With Blessings & Best Wishes,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Aspirations for the Elderly in India'

M.V.Ruparelia, Senior Citizen aged 81, 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: 17-6-14.

Dr. Alexander Thomas
Director (CEO)
Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru.560001.

I am very much thankful to you for sending me `Aspirations for the Elderly in India', a national consultative report. I have gone through the entire Report prepared by the team of India Backbone Implementation Network (IbIn) and find it very important and useful in respect of 5 priorities for elder care. National Think Tank deserves heartfelt thanks from 12 crore Senior Citizens of the Country for taking so much trouble and work out strategies for implementation. We have to find out ways and means to get all Stake Holders start working on these strategies. It is gratifying to note that India @75 has a vast Vision and will take appropriate action to achieve this for senior citizens. Vision of IbIn is ``India To-day`` and as such, we hope it will work on transferring its Vision in to reality and bring Rights & Welfare of Elders as early as possible instead of waiting for India becoming 75. As desired by you, I would very much like to contribute to the cause. Kindly, advise the line of action, I have to follow.

All principles and strategies laid down in the Report are contained in National Policy, 99, which are not implemented fully in 15 years and if provisions of National Consultative Report are got implemented early, 12 crore senior citizens will get benefits. I have tried during last 5-6 years to create Elder-friendly atmosphere in most of the Central Ministries concerned with implementation of National Policy, 99; brought to the notice of Ministers & Secretaries by representations & RTI the provisions on which action is required to be taken by them and created sense of responsibility for early implementation. Kindly, see my Blog: http://mvrup.blogspot.com   IbIn, the enthusiastic Organization with the help of Think Tank and others can give final stroke and get them implemented quickly. Senior Citizens will be obliged, if we all can get the following facilities quickly by using good offices of your Organization and members of Think Tank with Planning Commission & concerned Ministries:-

i)                As per para 96 of NPOP, 99, an Autonomous Registered National Association of Older Persons(NAOP) was to be formed by Nodal Ministry to mobilize senior citizens, particulate their interests, promote & undertake programmes and activities for their wellbeing and to advise the Government on all matters relating to Senior Citizens. Nodal Ministry is depriving 12 crore Elders of the Country of their Human Right to represent and negotiate. We suggested to give at least SCOVA type of Machinery, as given to pensioners by Ministry of Pension with representatives from each concerned Central & State/UT ministries of the level of Joint Secretary with representatives of senior citizens from existing registered associations for quarterly discussion & negotiation but this is also not being done. Even statutory Central, State councils and District  Committees of  Senior Citizens by District Magistrates  and Volunteers Committees by each Police Station laid down in Maintenance Act, 2007 are not given, resulting in non-implementation of various provisions of Policies declared by the Government and grass roots level senior citizens not knowing any thing about existence of any policies nor about their Status of being Senior Citizen and their Rights! NCOP constituted in 1999 does not have representatives from grassroots level associations and is almost defunct with 8 meetings in 15 years, the last on 2-11-11!! Inter-Ministerial Committees are also not held and last meeting was held on 7-2-08!! In view of such a position, formation of Negotiating Machinery is the need of the hour. I shall forward our representation dt 15-5-14 to Nodal Secretary, which may give details on the subject.

ii)              In federal democracy, it is difficult for Nodal Ministry to force Central/State-UT ministries to implement their portion of declared policies in time bound period. Every year for last several years, we observe All India Protest Day on 16 th August and bring out non-implementation to the notice of President and Prime Minister, who just forward to concerned ministries and do not take any action to get the declared provisions implemented by giving reasonable target to implement! We request your Organization to get a legally/centrally based Authority to get implementation in time bound period. I shall forward our last representation dt 22-8-13 to President and others to get details of our requirement.

iii)            Ministry of Social Justice is a Nodal Ministry for Elders but overall management and monitoring etc. of the sectoral programmes in respect of Senior Citizens is the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries & their corresponding departments under State Governments and Union territory Administrations as per Allocation of Business Rules (AOB) and as per DOPT`s directive in their 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 their Allocation of Business Rules. Inspite of this, other Ministries are not prepared to issue any instructions to their counterpart ministries/departments in States/UTs and get them implemented by regular chasing, as brought out in detail in Annexure A of our representation dt 15-5-14 to Nodal Secretary mentioned in i) above. We request your Organization to use your good offices to make this clear to all Central Ministries.

iv)             As regards Health Care of Elders, NPHCE is very beneficial, if implemented promptly. Though started in 2010, only 65 Geriatric OPD/Ward; 28 Physiotherapy daily clinics & 29 bi-weekly clinics and 15 weekly geriatric clinics have been provided in the entire Country so far. Indoor services have been established in 6 out of 8 Regional Geriatric Centres (RGCs) and RGCs are still in the process of procurement of drugs & consumables, appointment of contractual man power, training of doctors/staff, initiation of MD course in geriatric etc.(Z-15012/2013-NCD dt 23-10-13). This is poor progress inspite of sufficient funds provided by Health Ministry. Prompt action is essential.

v)               Similarly, more attention is required on expeditious provision of Day Care Centres etc (16 schemes under Integrated Programme for Older Persons-IPOP, 2008, where 90% recurring and non-recurring expenditure is borne by Nodal Ministry).Inspite of funds provided by Nodal Ministry, not a single Municipality/Panchayat is coming up for providing these facilities to their citizens!! Proper strategy is essential.

Thanking you once again for this National Consultative Report and giving me an opportunity to contribute to this noble cause of helping our Elders,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Letter to Finance Minister- Framing priority areas for the first 100 days for “sushasan” or good governance as the cornerstone of NDA government

M.V.Ruparelia, Senior Citizen of 81, 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: 1-6-14.

Shri Arun Jaitleyji, Hon Minister of Finance,

Ministry of Finance, Government of India, North Block, New Delhi-110101.

Respected Sir, 

Sub: Framing priority areas for the first 100 days for “sushasan” or good governance as the cornerstone of NDA government.

12 crore Senior Citizens of the Country are very much pleased to welcome a Young Senior Citizen of 62 as their Most Important Minister of Finance. Your profession being Senior Advocate of Supreme Court, they would request you to become their Advocate in the Court of Prime Minister for getting them their overdue advantages and facilities provided by Government in 4 declared Policies for welfare of Senior Citizens (NPOP, 99; Maintenance Act, 2007; IPOP, 2008 and NPHCE, 2010), as they have not been given any Negotiating Machinery nor they have strong and persuasive Union/Association to effectively get their dues. We request you to include the following in your Ministry`s 100 days priority areas and get them implemented within timeframe.

1.     As you may be aware National Policy for Older Persons, 99 was given to Elders by the then NDA Government but many provisions thereof are not yet implemented even after 15 years for want of funds. As per Mandate and Policy Statement & paras 24 to 32, 36 and 93, your Ministry was required 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. Timely Implementation of Policies is one of the 10 Mantras given by our beloved PM. BJP Election Manifesto had also committed to the welfare of senior citizens. Following specific provisions pertaining to Finance Ministry are not implemented even after all these 15 years and may now be included in 100 Day Priority Areas:-

a)     Para 24: To provide financial security to fragile section of two third of the old population in addition to BPL.

b)     Para 25: To revise rate of monthly pension to BPL at intervals so that inflation does not deflate its real purchasing power. Present contribution of Central Government for Pension at Rs 200 p.m. is a mockery of human beings!

c)     Para 28: Increasing standard deduction of Income Tax for Senior Citizens, keeping in view high cost of medical & nursing care, transportation & support services needed at home and the fact that they do not use common services etc provided by government. All senior citizens may be exempted from Income Tax or higher limit fixed for them or at least Pension may be made tax free. Families supporting elders were to be given some concession, which is also not done.

d)     Para 29: Higher rates of interest on savings of senior citizens to assure them that payment at the end of stipulated periods are attractive enough to take care of likely erosion in purchasing power. State Bank of India pays ¼% extra, which is nothing but mockery of Elders. Ministry must fix proper higher rates and get all Banks pay them.

e)     Para 31: To provide income generating activities and to end age related discrimination in matter of credit marketing and other facilities. BJP Manifesto also had promised to devise schemes and programs to engage the senior citizens as volunteers / part time workers in various development programmes of the government, in urban and rural areas. This will not only help in utilizing their time, but also it would be an effective utilization of their experience and may add an additional source of income for them.

f)      Para 36: The development of Health Insurance will be given high priority and various reliefs and concessions will be given to make it affordable. IRDA under their letter no. 3/IRDA/Health/SN/SRCC/09-10 dt 25-5-09 to Finance Ministry had recommended to give subsidy of Rs 2000 or any amount that may be fixed by Finance Ministry for every policy taken by Senior Citizen, relating the level of subsidy being afforded to the Below Poverty Line population etc. This may please be done early.

g)     Para 63: Welfare Fund for older persons is not yet created.

h)     Para 93: Finance Ministry will facilitate budgetary provisions required for implementation of the Policy, 99. Ministry appears to treat Respected Elders as ``spent force`` and has adopted negative and discouraging attitudes.

2.     Although, VII th Pay Commission is constituted, it is necessary to give relief to pensioners by merging 50% DA with Pension and giving some interim relief to meet with abnormal inflation.

3.      As Budget is very important document and whole Nation listens Budget Speeches, we request you to lay down a procedure that Finance Minister speaks something in his every  Budget Speech about Senior Citizens bringing out the position of senior citizens prevailing in the Country during the year and provisions made for them during the year. This healthy practice will create an atmosphere in the entire Country- Society and Media also- to respect their Elders.

We shall be thankful, if these issues are included in 100 Days Programme and reply is given in terms of para 66 of Office Manual, indicating your plan of action.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)

Letter to Minister of Social Justice- Framing priority areas for the first 100 days for “sushasan” or good governance as the cornerstone of NDA government.

M.V.Ruparelia, Senior Citizen of 81, 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: 1-6-14.

Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlotji, Hon Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment,

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

Respected Sir, 

Sub: Framing priority areas for the first 100 days for “sushasan” or good governance as the cornerstone of NDA government.

12 crore Framing priority areas for the first 100 days for “sushasan” or good governance as the cornerstone of NDA government. Senior Citizens of the Country are very much pleased to welcome a Young Senior Citizen of 66 as their Nodal Minister. They hope that with your business tact, you will be able to get them all their overdue advantages and facilities declared by Government in 4 notified Policies for welfare of Senior Citizens (NPOP, 99; Maintenance Act, 2007; IPOP, 2008 and NPHCE, 2010). We request you to include the following in your Ministry`s 100 days priority areas and get them implemented within timeframe.

1.     The first and foremost need of the hour is to create respect for Elders in the Country by persuading all colleagues in the Cabinet and all States/UTs 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. Timely Implementation of Policies is one of the 10 Mantras given by our beloved PM. BJP Election Manifesto had also committed to the welfare of senior citizens. There is lack of interest and enthusiasm in most of the Central and State/UT ministries to implement the declared policies and large number of provisions of these Policies have remained unimplemented, depriving 12 crore Senior Citizens of declared benefits. You have to bring out this to the notice of our beloved P.M. and consider ways and means to get a Machinery (on lines of SCOVA by Pension Ministry) established to have 4 meetings in a year for implementation of various provisions of declared Policies by getting one representative of at least Joint Secretary level (to be nominated by designation and not to be changed on the basis of `as available`) from each Central, State & UT ministries and sufficient members from recognized Associations of Senior Citizens for continuous discussion and chasing with an aim of early implementation of all Policies.

2.      Strengthening of Nodal Ministry is very much necessary by getting more pro-elderly officers and staff in view of grave situation of non-implementation of various declared policies for years together, giving no time or machinery to Elders for negotiations, no dissemination of any information to any registered associations of elders etc. As PM has desired proper utilization of State Ministers, you may like to entrust the work of this department to him for earlier implementation of welfare schemes.

3.      According to the INPEA, Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship, where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. Not implementing various Policies by Central & State Governments and other stake holders is nothing but Deplorable Abuse of Elders in India  in light of INPEA`s above definition! You may like to list out various provisions pending implementation with each of your officers, Central, State & UT ministries and get them implemented early by including this list of pending implementation in this Programme.

4.     A Review Committee for revising very comprehensive NPOP, 99 was nominated on 28-1-10 and their recommendations given on 30-3-11 are pending approval of Cabinet for more than 3 years!! This may be got finalized and new Policy declared before Budget by including this long pending item in 100 Day Programme.

5.     Revision of very important Scheme of Integrated Programme (IPOP) is pending for long. This may be got finalized by including in this Programme and issue elaborate instructions to concerned Central & State/UT ministries to get 16 schemes provided by Municipalities & Panchayats within a reasonable period fixing targets.

6.     Setting up of National Commission & National Trust for Aged are pending for long. Please, include them in this Programme.  

7.     Provide separate Web Site for Senior Citizens, as present web site is very complicated. This should be provided within 100 Day Programme.

8.     Quick action is required to be taken on severe criticism/deep concern of Standing Committee on working of Social Justice & Empowerment in 39^th Report  (February, 14). This may be included in this Programme.

We shall be thankful, if these issues are included in 100 Days Programme and reply is given in terms of para 66 of Office Manual, indicating your plan of action.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(M.V.Ruparelia)