Indian Government Plans Law to Protect Senior Parents, Indian Catholic, India.

The government plans to enact effective laws aimed at promoting the care, maintenance and protection of parents and senior citizens, a minister said. Meira Kumar, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, said this while flagging off an Inter-generational Walkathon on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons on Oct. 1.

About 200 senior citizens and 500 school children participated in the Walkathon. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized the function in collaboration with National Institute of Social Defence and HelpAge India. The minister said that the government is concerned about the welfare and security of the older persons, especially those belonging to below-poverty line and families residing in remote and rural areas. She further stated that people’s life expectancy has increased dramatically and age structures of societies have undergone profound changes.

People are now living longer and this longevity revolution is changing the concept of ageing.To help the aged people the government would soon bring effective legislation aimed at promoting the care, maintenance and protection of parents and senior citizens, she said.The views of the all the state governments would be considered before giving final shape to the new bill. The health and security aspects as well as overall welfare of the senior citizens have been given due importance while drafting the Bill, she added. She stressed the need to sensitize society about the problems and needs of the older persons.

The Minister also sought that cooperation of NGOs and public, especially the youth in creating an environment where older persons get respect, care and due affection. There is need to inculcate the feeling of respect and care for older persons in the minds of young generations, she stressed. October 1 is observed as International Day of the Elderly to recognize the services rendered by the senior citizens and to reiterate the government’s commitment towards the cause of the elderly.

Indian Catholic,
October 2, 2006.