Draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 (Download PDF)
In the year 2009 on October 1st, International Day of Older Persons, HelpAge India took upon itself to take stock of the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) formulated in 1999. It had been 10 years, but much was left to be done. Implementation had been adhoc and it was time to act now. HelpAge invited Mr. Mukul Wasnik, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (Govt. of India) as the chief guest at the function and therein the wheels were set in motion.
Recognizing the need and the urgency for the implementation of the Policy, the Minister took the first major step in this direction by setting up the ‘Review Committee of the National Policy on Older Persons’ spearheaded by Chairperson Dr. (Mrs.) Mohini Giri, well known Activist & Social worker, former Cahirperson of Naional Commission for Women and currently Chairperson of Guild of Services and members Mr. M. M. Sabharwal, President Emeritus, HelpAge India, Mr. K.R.Gangadharan of Heritage Foundation and Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan of Dignity Foundation.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
The foundation of the new policy, known as the “National Policy for Senior Citizens 2011” is based on several factors. These include the demographic explosion among the elderly, the changing economy and social milieu, advancement in medical research, science and technology and high levels of destitution among the elderly rural poor (51 million elderly live below the poverty line). A higher proportion of elderly women than men experience loneliness and are dependent on children. 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 citizens. This policy addresses issues concerning senior citizens living in urban and rural areas, special needs of the ‘oldest old’ and older women.
Recognizing the need and the urgency for the implementation of the Policy, the Minister took the first major step in this direction by setting up the ‘Review Committee of the National Policy on Older Persons’ spearheaded by Chairperson Dr. (Mrs.) Mohini Giri, well known Activist & Social worker, former Cahirperson of Naional Commission for Women and currently Chairperson of Guild of Services and members Mr. M. M. Sabharwal, President Emeritus, HelpAge India, Mr. K.R.Gangadharan of Heritage Foundation and Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan of Dignity Foundation.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
The foundation of the new policy, known as the “National Policy for Senior Citizens 2011” is based on several factors. These include the demographic explosion among the elderly, the changing economy and social milieu, advancement in medical research, science and technology and high levels of destitution among the elderly rural poor (51 million elderly live below the poverty line). A higher proportion of elderly women than men experience loneliness and are dependent on children. 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 citizens. This policy addresses issues concerning senior citizens living in urban and rural areas, special needs of the ‘oldest old’ and older women.
Draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 (Download PDF) :
http://www.helpageindia.org/NPSC.pdf
1 comment:
In the health section of NPSC, I am disappointed to see that only RSBY is mentioned to be universalised. Aarogyasri type of Health insurance is far better in many respects.
If possible give this feedback from your side as well to powers that be.
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