WELFARE PROGRAMMES FOR THE OLD PEOPLES IN INDIA

Introduction

It is the fundamental obligation of the State in terms of Article 41 of our Constitution to provide
assistance to the aged and pension benefits to the employees after their retirement by their employers.
In India context, retirement is a symbol of old age. In the retirement process, the person pass through
the following phase:

• Remote Phase: Even when retirement is near or approaching, person does not get ready for it.

• Near Phase: When retirement is very near, making imaginary plan for it. (Day dreaming)

• Honeymoon Phase: Just after retirement person wants to do all those things which he could not do so
far or was always desirous of doing. But health and financial resources may cause problems in fulfilling
his dreams or imaginations.

Disenchantment Phase: The problems/realities of retired life may dispirit the person. erson. His
excessive dream regarding retired life may result in more disappointments. At this stage, person may
begin to come out of false imaginations.

Stability Phase: Person understands the realities of retired life. He makes adjustments to his new roles.

• Termination Phase: This happens either taking up some work again or due to illness or incapacity.

The year of the aged (1990) though celebrated in our country with great pomp and show, our
government has done precious little for the upliftment of the status of the aged community.
The determination of old age is naturally linked with the average life expectancy. The United Nations
had adopted International Plan of Action at the World Assembly of Aging at Vienna during 1982.

WELFARE PROGRAMMES FOR THE AGED

Old Age Homes

The old age home is a residential unit for poor destitute aged persons of 60 years and above. Aged
persons coming from lower-income groups and middleincome groups of society, in desperate need for
shelter, can also be considered for admission in these Homes, subject to thorough inquiry and discretion
of the voluntary organizations concerned.

Day Care Centers for the Aged

Assistance to voluntary organizations is given for maintenance of day care centers for at least 50 persons
in urban/slum/rural/tribal areas. The aim of these

Programmes is to keep the ageingut respective tamilies Tamil in looking after the red of the ds of pu

the aged integrated supplement the programmes is to keep respective families and to family in looking
after the needs of the aged

Mobile Medicare Services for the Aged

Under this programme, grant is provided to organizations, which have experience and expert providing
medicare services to the aged in ruralive slum/areas.

Noninstitutional Services for the Aged Under this programme, a social worker is appointed
provide for services to the aged like legal counseli

assistance for supplying pension, GPF HRA

Tax, Bank Services, etc. The scheme of assistanc Panchayati Raj institutions/voluntary construction of
Old Age Homes was launched during 1996-97. organizati

Pensionary Benefits and other Public Assistance

The aged can be divided into two categories: who have retired on attaining the age of superannu Hom
the government or organized sector and are entie to pensionary benefits and (ii) those who have reade
the age of 60+ and are drawing public assistance in old age for their survival.

Article 309 of the Constitution stipulates that Ads the appropriate Legislature may regulate the
recruitmen and conditions of service of persons appointed to publi services in connection with the
affairs of the Union or any States. The benefits available to governmen servants at the time of their
retirement/superannush are the pension and is governed by Central Ca Services (Pension) Rule 1952
Scheme (for nonindust staff except railways) and the contributory Provi Fund Scheme (for industrial staff
and is Contributory Fund (India) Rules, 1962). governed by

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS FOR THE WELFARE OF THE AGED

Help Age India

It was established in 1978 for the cause and ca elderly people with its head office in New sometimes
uses the services of NSS volunteers like painting competition, debates, etc. and of funds to provide
facilities to the elders Granny' scheme is intended to provide rehal the doorsteps to the elders living
under pov

Age Care India

welfare of the aged people in the country registered on Aaritable educational cultural and social welfare
rganizatish under the Societies Registration number XXI of 1860

has four types of membership viz (a) founder bers (be) life-members, (c) associate members, (d) porary
members

has been celebrating Elder Day on 18th November every year since 1981 to honor senior citizens above
B pars of age, to give them social recognition and respe Bu

Government Schemes for the Aged

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is plementing a Central Scheme of Assistance for the
programmes relating to the aged from November 1992. Under the scheme, financial assistance is
provided to luntary organizations for establishing and maintain ang of day care centres, old-age homes,
and mobile Medicare units as well as for supporting and strength- ning non-institutional services for the
aged.

Five-Year Plan and the Aged People

Programmes for the Elderly will be taken up in the IX- Plan to ensure well-being and continued
participation the community. Efforts will be made to reach/ seminate information regarding various
welfare measures and special concessions being extended to the Senior Citizens', so that the rural
elderly can also come forward to enjoy these privileges along with their urban unterparts.

In extending housing facilities, the concept of Sheltered Homes' for the lonely/destitute Elderly will be
explored with the help of private and public agencies well as the NGOs. Protection will be provided
against the dangers of life and property; abuse and exploitation older persons.

THE NATIONAL POLICY ON OLDER PERSONS

The National Policy on Older Persons was announced by the government in 1999, declared as the
International Dur of Older Persons by the UN. The year 2000 has been dedared as the National Year of
Older Persons by the Covemment of India. The decision to frame a policy for der persons was first
mooted in the '80s, following the World Assembly on Aging held at Vienna in 1982. In - an Inter
Ministerial Committee was constituted by the Ol for this purpose. The process of formulating the policy
gathered momentum in the two years preced- ing 1999. According to ministry officials, the process en
visaged active involvement of voluntary organisations, research bodies, schools of social work, CP.
Sujaya, and so on. A number of regional consultations were held along with a national level consultation
to discuss the draft policy document prepared by the ministry for get ting feedback from a broad range
of positions and ap- proache.

Subsequent international efforts made an impact on the implementation of the National Policy on Older
Persons. The Madrid Plan of Action and the United Nations Principles for Senior Citizens adopted by the
UN General Assembly in 2002, the Proclamation on Ageing and the global targets on ageing for the Year
2001 adapted by the General Assembly in 1992.

The policy and plans were put in place by central and state governments for the welfare of older
persons. The state governments issued their policies and programmes for the welfare of older persons.
While some States - and Union Territories implemented their policies with vigour, most states
particularly the big ones were behind - perhaps due to financial and operational deficiencies.) Pensions,
travel concessions, income tax relief, medical benefit, extra interest on savings, security of older persons
through an integrated scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as well as financial
support was provided for Homes, Day Care Centres, Medical Vans, Help Lines, etc. are extended
currently. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment coordinates programmes to be undertaken
by other Ministries in their relevant areas of support to older persons.

CONCESSIONS AND FACILITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS BASED ON THE POLICY 1999
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is t nodal Ministry responsible for welfare of the Sen
Citizens. It has announced the National Policy on Ol Persons covering all concerns pertaining to the welf
of older persons. The National Policy on Older Pers recognizes a person aged 60 years and above as a se
citizen. The Ministry is also implementing follov schemes for the benefit of Senior Citizens:

• An Integrated Programme for Older Persons Scheme): This Scheme has been formulated by rev the
earlier scheme of 'Assistance to Volu Organisations for Programmes relating to the W of the Aged'.
Under this Scheme, financial assi up to 90% of the project cost is provided to NG

establishing and maintaining Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, Mobile Medicare Units and to provide
noninstitutional services to older persons.

The Scheme of Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institu tions/Voluntary Organizations/Self-Help Groups for
Construction of Old Age Homes/Multi-Service Cen- tres for older persons (Non Plan Scheme): Under this
Scheme, one time construction grant for Old Age Homes/Multi-Service Centre is provided to
nongovernmental organizations on the recommenda- tion of the State Governments/UT
Administrations.

Ministry of Finance

Income tax rebate up to an income of ₹1.85 lakh p.a. Higher rates of interest on saving schemes of
senior citizens. A Senior Citizens Savings Scheme offering an interest rate is 9% per annum on the
deposits made by the senior citizens in post offices has been introduced by the Government through
Post Offices in India doing savings bank work.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Reservation of two seats for senior citizens in front row of the buses of the State Road Transport
Undertakings. Some State Governments are giving fare concession to senior citizens in the State Road
Transport Undertaking buses and are introducing Bus Models, which are convenient to the elderly.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Separate queues for older persons in hospitals for registration and clinical examination.

Department of Telecommunications

Faults/complaints of senior citizens are given priority by registering them under senior citizens category
with VIP flag, which is a priority category. Senior citizens are allowed to register telephone connection
under N-OYT Special Category, which is a priority category.

Ministry of Railways

Indian Railways provide 30% fare concession in all t Mail/Express including Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan
Shatabdi o trains for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. Indian Railways also have the facility of
separate counters M for Senior Citizens for purchase/booking/cancellation of tickets. Wheel Chairs for
use of older persons are available at all junctions, District Headquarters and L other important stations
for the convenience of needy is including the older persons. Ramps for wheel S

chairs movement are available at the entr stations. Specially designed coaches with po space for
wheelchairs, hand rail and speciall toilet for handicapped persons have been

Ministry of Civil Aviation

er Indian Airlines is providing 50 percent Sen Indiount on Normal Economy Class fare lights to Indian
senior citizens who have comple age of 65 years in the case of male senior 63 years in the case of female
senior citizens certain conditions. Air India is offering disc citizens of 60 plus on flights to USA, UK and
Further, Air India has now decided to reduc of 60 plus for discount on their domestic routes a with
immediate effect. Sahara Airlines is offerin discount on basic fare for travel on its domest only to senior
citizens who have attained the an years. Discount is applicable in economy classm

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Under the Antyodaya Scheme, the Below Fovem (BPL) families which also include older persa provided
food grains at the rate of 35 kg per famil month. The food grains are issued 3/ kg fun 2/ kg for wheat.
The persons aged 60 years above the BPL category were given priority for identi Under the Annapoorna
Scheme being impleme the States/UT Administration, 10 kg of food gran beneficiary per month are
provided free of cost to senior citizens who remain uncovered under the pension scheme. Instructions
to State Govemme giving priority to the Ration Card holders who at 60 years of age in Fair Price Shops
for issue of t

MCD, Delhi

MCD, Delhi, has opened a separate counter to fi the senior citizens for submission of property us A
rebate of 30% of the property tax due on the space of a building up to one hundred sq. mars covered
space has been allowed by the case of any self-occupied residential buildings owned by a man who is 65
years or more in age the corporati

Miscellaneous

Courts in the country accord priority to cases inve older persons and ensures their expeditious dip Under
the Old Age Pension Scheme, monthly pe is given at variable rates to the destitute old b State
Governments/UT Administrations

THE NATIONAL POLICY OF SENIOR CITIZENS 2011

The foundation of the new policy, known as the Na Honal Policy for Senior Citizens 2011 is based on sev
eral factors Therty, include the demographic expn sev among the elderly, the changing economy and
ission milieu, advancement in medical research, science and chnology and high levels of destitution
among the el derly rural poor (51 million elderly live below the pov erty line). A higher proportion of
elderly women than men experience loneliness and are dependent on chil dren. Social deprivations and
exclusion, privatization of health services and changing pattern of morbidity affect the elderly. All those
of 60 years and above are senior cottens. This policy addresses issues concerning senior citizens living in
urban and rural areas, special needs of the oldest old and older women'

Objectives

Strengthen integration between generations, facilitate interaction between the old and the young as
well as strengthen bonds between different age groups.

• Development of a formal and informal social support system

Reach out in particular to the bulk of senior citizens living in rural areas.

The Focus of the New Policy

Mainstream senior citizens, especially older women, and bring their concerns into the national
development.

Promote the concept of 'Ageing in Place' or ageing in own home, housing, income security and
homecare services, old age pension and access to health care insurance schemes and other programmes
and services to facilitate and sustain dignity in old age.

The thrust of the policy would be preventive rather

than cure
• The policy will consider institutional care as the last resort. It recognises that care of senior citizens has
to remain vested in the family which would partner the community, government and the private sector

Being a signatory to the Madrid Plan of Action and Barrier Free Framework it will work towards an
Inclusive, barrier-free and age-friendly society.

Recognise that senior citizens are a valuable resource for the country and create an environment that
provides them with equal opportunities, protects their rights and enables their full participation in
society.

Long-term savings instruments and credit activities will be promoted to reach both rural and urban
areas It will be necessary for the contributors to feel Employment in income generating activities after

superannuation will be encouraged Support and assist organisations that provide

counselling, career guidance and training services States will be advised to implement the Maintenance
and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and set-up Tribunals so that elderly parents unable
to maintain themselves are not abandoned and neglected.

States will set-up homes with assisted living facilities for abandoned senior citizens in every district of
the country and there will be adequate budgetary support.

AREAS OF INTERVENTION OF POLICY

The concerned ministries at central and state leve as mentioned in the 'Implementation Section woul
implement the policy and take necessary steps for seni citizens as under:
Income Security in Old Age

A major intervention required in old age relates financial insecurity as more than two-third of the eld
live below the poverty line. It would increase with uniformly across the country.

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

Old age pension scheme would cover all citizens living below the poverty line.

Rate of monthly pension would be raised to 10 month per person and revised at intervals to p its
deflation due to higher cost of purchasing.

The oldest old' would be covered under Indira National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGN They would be
provided additional pension of disability, loss of adult children and con responsibility for grand children
and won would be reviewed every five years.

Public Distribution System

The public distribution system would reach o all senior citizens living below the poverty li

Income Tax

Taxation policies would reflect sensitivity to

problems of senior citizens which