General Election 2009 wake up call for Senior Citizens

by Sailesh Mishra March 19, 2009

Election for Indian Parliament are April 2009 ,but still after more then 62 yrs. of Independence , there are segments of people who are not treated at par with others, there is injustice and discrimination towards them.

One of the most neglected and ignored segment is of Senior Citizens. They are not considered as part of mainstream, there is unjust treatment to those who gain 60 years of age, they are suddenly considered ‘Retired’, good for nothing.

Population of those above 60 years of age is estimated to be 86 million in 2008.India has today second largest population of Senior Citizens.

We boasts of our ‘Great Joint Family’ ‘The Traditional Family’ where we used to respect, care and love our elders .Due to Globalization and New lifestyle there is increasing number of Abuse, Neglect and Abandon case with regards to Senior Citizens.

India is gradually undergoing a demographic change. With decline in fertility and mortality rates and better health care there is progressive increase in the number of elderly persons.

Over and above a Step Motherly treatment by Federal and State Government is making situation worse for our Elderly. There is ministry for Women, Children, Youth, Environment; there is National Commission for Minority, Women and Population but the 7.5% of Elderly are represented by the overloaded Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The Indian government after many years of debate finally declared the National Policy of the Older Persons (NPOP) in January 1999. The policy highlights the rising elderly population and an urgent need to understand and deal with the medical, psychological and socio-economic problems faced by the elderly.However the Federal Government emphasis on Intra Ministry roles. But others ministry are not aware of NPOP. It delegates roles to State government and NGO.

It is sad to note that still today there is NO uniformity of age for classification of senior citizens between different ministry and state government. It has been more then 10 years now for NPOP but it has not been implement by Central government nor adopted by many states government.

With regards to protection from Law and Social Security there has been no tough initiative. In December 2008 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act was passed by central government but still it has been not implement by many states and also those state who have implement the act, the local government has not made serious effort to make Tribunals and address the problems.

Though there are handful of organisation working for the cause of Senior Citizens, There is an urgent need for United Forum to fight for injustice and issues of seniors, there is need to address the problems and work United on solution for the benefits of Elderly.

World over Community base services and Ageing in Place is now promoted. The Welfare State concept is loosing its grip as government around the World can’t afford the expense. UN has now accepted the fact the Traditional Family are the best place to Age and best place to provide Care for Aged.

We Indians also should not expect much from Government except Laws, Protection and Innovative schemes for Social Security. Civil Society and Corporate should come forward and work for the welfare of Elders.

But all this will happen until Senior Citizens come together, Senior Citizens needs to raise their voice. There is urgent need to be united and make a joint Call to all the Political Parties and Government for Separate Ministry for Senior Citizens. There is need for Proactive and Vibrant Ministry.

The growing number of senior Citizens can’t be ignored. At present India has around 7.5% of Elderly out of total population, but Senior Citizens constitute to around 13% of Voters.

This 13% unrecognized segment of voters can’t be left alone, they can’t be ignored. Political Parties has to include projects and programmes for the benefits of Elderly in their respective Manifesto. Government has to address the issues and problem of ever growing population of Elderly. This is warning call to all political parties if you ignore elderly then this strong 13% will rise and will make days difficult for you.

Senior Citizens don’t be scared to ask your political party what they have done for your and what are their plan for your welfare. Vote for those who will support your cause and for Nation.

Let’s come together and Work for Society for All Age. Let’s support the cause and let Elderly live in peace with security and dignity.

Courtsey: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/2009/03/jago-senior-citizens-wake-up-its.html