JAC of Senior Citizens Demands for BMC Elections 2022

 Joint Action Committee (JAC) Press Conference was held on 8th June 2022 at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Mumbai.

Silver Shakti!!!!!!!!

To make the 'Silver Voices' heard loud and clear and to make the 'Silver Presence' in society graceful and dignified; we have formed the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of various Organizations, NGOs working for Senior Citizens, researchers and academicians dedicated to the cause of elderly in Mumbai.  The Committee will strive to work with the BMC and various Political Parties to mainstream the special needs and demands of senior citizens.  We demand all Political parties to include issues of Senior Citizens in their Election Manifesto, as they are not only an important vote bank but also the important stakeholders with an estimated 25% of the Voting Population. If the Political Parties and Leaders fail to meet our Demands, we as the Powerful Vote bank will be forced to use NOTA in the upcoming BMC Elections.

A report released by the Ministry of Statistics, GOI in March 2019 said that the number of citizens over the age of 60 jumped by 35.5 per cent — from 7.6 crore in 2001 to 10.3 crore in 2011. In the upcoming elections, this population will be a major factor in deciding who comes to power. In Maharashtra, Senior citizens form around 10% of state population, which comes to an estimated 1.30 crore of Maharashtra’s and in Mumbai itself constitutes approximately 15 lakhs. 

The right to vote is the foundation of any democracy. The vote represents the voice of people and is therefore a powerful tool to exercise to bring about a change in their city and their country as a whole. Senior Citizen are Committed Voters and understand the importance of voting and engage in the process to become egalitarianism warriors in their own communities. Issues such as health care, medical facilities, prices of medicines, pensions, Shelter, retirement schemes and transportation, special attention for poor and homeless, will be upper most in the minds of the older people. To make sure that their needs are met and concerns are heard is the very need of the hour. 

Based on constitutional and legal provisions, Government of India and Maharashtra state government has formulated various policies and devised various programmes for the elders including National Policy for the Older Persons 1999 and Maharashtra Senior Citizens Policy 2013 and subsequently in 2018. However, these have remained only on Paper. After advocacy and constant struggle by Senior Citizens Originations from 2010 to 2013, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on 5th August 2013 through its Resolution no. 622 cleared the Senior Citizens Policy in its general body meeting, which is first such policy by any Municipal Corporation in the country. This policy, which includes the provision of day care facilities and recreation grounds for them in every municipal ward as also medical helpline services and amenities in open spaces, was announced on 2013.  Further benefits included in the policy are, dedicated spaces for senior citizens in large housing complexes, library with books on spirituality and health, and ramps, railings at public toilets. Senior citizens would also be provided specialized healthcare at select civic hospitals for hypertension, diabetes, loss of vision and other ailments.  For the first phase of implementation, BMC had agreed to form a committee headed by the then Mayor Sunil Prabhu.

But it is with great regret and disappointment we note that a pittance of the expected work has been done by BMC after announcement of this Policy. A few Day care facilities and a few Nana Nani parks have been set up only at the whims and fancies of the Councilors. To make it worse there is no Budgetary provision has been made for the implementation of the Policy. It is shameful to state that an RTI filed for details of expenditure has received no response.

Based on the recommendations of the United Nations to which India is a signatory and the policies for senior citizens to which Central and State Governments have committed, the JAC demands the following:

                            I Finance and Planning  

a) Make a definite budgetary provision for the welfare and security of elders in the Senior Citizens policy, allocate 10% of BMC budget to Senior Citizens Policy 

b) Raise CSR funds for effective Implementation of initiatives for elders 

c) Corporators need to spend minimum 10% of their allocated funds for the welfare of Senior Citizens 

d) Form ‘Senior Citizens Policy Committee’ at HQ as well as at all the 24 administrative wards for Planning and Implementation. Senior Citizens Policy Committee’ to meet regularly for monitoring and evaluating implementation and progress of initiatives.  

e) Permanent Office for ‘BMC Senior Citizens Bhavan’ at a central, convenient accessible location.

f) Appointment of a Nodal Officer at the rank of Joint Commissioner/ Deputy Commissioner to monitor the progress of the implementation of the policies and programmes as well as to address the grievances of the senior citizens

g) The Community Development Officer (C.D.O.) / Social Worker at BMC to work on Seniors program, projects awareness, planning, implementation 

II Health Care and Nutrition - Health care should be affordable and accessible to all senior citizens 

a) Free medical treatment for all senior citizens at all Government Hospitals and Primary Health Center 

b) Establishment of a Geriatric ward at every Government hospital. Appoint Geriatric Expert / Doctors in all BMC hospitals

c) 'Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana' to be implemented at all hospitals and specially for Elders with no documents and homeless

d) Free / Subsidized Medicines / Generic Medicine to be made available

e) Reserve 10% bed for Geriatric population in private hospitals / nursing homes

f) Introduce the WHO Recommended Adult Vaccination Programme. Priority to senior citizens in all Vaccinations and Health Care initiatives

g) OPD special section / desk for Seniors / Display of Notice board at every hospitals of available facilities for Seniors  

h) Free / Subsidized Diagnosis at Government hospitals and clinics

i) MMC (Mobile Medical Clinic) for elders living in poor communities and elders below BPL

j) Wellness and Prevention program like Yoga, Alternative Therapies, AYUSH, Health camps for Seniors

k) Mental Health Screening in collaboration with BMC Hospitals 

l) MID Day Meal to be extended to poor seniors. To initiate GOI POSHAN Abhiyaan / Shiv Bhojan like scheme 

III   Shelter and Welfare: 

a) Multipurpose Senior Citizens Full Day Care Centre

b) Dementia Day Care Centre 

c) Respite Stay Centre

d) Homeless Elders Night Shelter

e) Policy for protection of Senior citizens during natural and manmade disasters  

f) Specific spaces and facilities to be reserved in Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), SRA and MHADA for Senior Citizens - Day Care Centres

                   IV    Protection of life and property of Senior Citizens

a) Legal Aid Cell to work on issues and problems faced by the elders

b) Special concession in Water and Property tax for Old Age Homes and Seniors Day Care Centers 

c) Provision to establish BMC Retired person's special cell  

d) Involve NSS and Civil Defense officers and volunteers for Safety and Security of Seniors

e) Special Call Center for Senior Citizens issues  

V Accessibility, transport and Age friendly environment

a) Application of WHO Global Age-friendly Cities Guidelines to city planning

b) Accessible, affordable and safe public transport

c) Age-friendly driving conditions and parking facilities

d) Age-friendly buildings, pavements and walkways, safe pedestrian crossings and adequate rest areas

e) Affordable, well-designed and safe housing 

f) Auto, Taxi, Water Transport to be sensitize towards Seniors

g) Special Concession and Travel arrangement for Senior Citizens in BMC Buses 

h) Age Friendly, Accessible Public Washroom and Sanitation 

VI Capacity Building and Visibility

a) Training of Caregivers, Para Professionals, Medical professionals  

b) Mandatory Celebration of Days of Senior Citizens : 15th June World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; 21st September World Alzheimer's Day  and 1st October World Elders Day  

c) Training and Sensitization of Senior Citizens Associations towards formation, management, of Trust / Society and various program and schemes of BMC

d) To give visibility to BMC Senior Citizens program and projects through Print, Audio Visual and social media 

e) To strengthen research and documentation in social gerontology

We the Senior Citizens of this City, State and Country are Responsible Citizens; we have wisdom, experience and time, we are asset to the Society, we are always willing to help government and authorities for welfare of society at large, we need Independence, Freedom, Security and Dignity; we can’t be ignored or neglected any more. We expect that we will see the importance of senior citizens and their demands in the election manifesto of your party and your candidates.

JAC Spokespersons for Coordination:

Dr. Rekha Bhatkhande  - Spokespersons

Vijay Aundhe - Spokespersons 

Prakash Borgaonkar - Spokespersons 

Adv. Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar - Spokesperson

Sailesh Mishra - Coordinator

LIST OF JAC MEMBERS:

1. Adhata Trust

2. All India Bank Retirees Federation  

3. All India Central Government Pensioners Association

4. All India Retired Insurance Employees Federation

5. All India Retired Reserve Bank Employee Association

6. Brihan Mumbai Pensioners Association 

7. Brihan Mumbai Retired Employees Association

8. Center for Life Long Learning , TISS

9. Centre for the Study of Social Change (RRTC Mumbai) 

10. College of Social Work ( Autonomous) Nirmala Niketan

11. Dignity Foundation 

12. Dilasa Kendra of Shushrusha Citizens Cooperative Hospital, Mumbai

13. FESCOM  

14. General Insurance Pensioners, All India Federation  

15. GIC Pensioners Association 

16. Help Age India 

17. Indian Association of Retired persons (IARP) Mumbai 

18. Money Life Foundation

19. MTNL Pensioners Workers Associations

20. Silver Inning Foundation 

21. Sophia College (AUTONOMOUS)

22. The Family Welfare Agency 

Review: Congress Party Senior Citizens Manifesto 2019

Good news, great advocacy, Indian National Congress has included #SeniorCitizens in their #LoksabhaElections2019 Manifesto, its first party to do so, we will be happy to see BJP and other Parties to follow it.


Indian National Congress Manifesto for Senior Citizens : 5 key Points (page 43).  

Congress acknowledges that about 9 per cent of the population of India is over the age of 60 years and this proportion will increase.

Congress promises to review current policies on senior citizens and make suitable changes, taking into account advances in medical science and technology.

1) Under the Right to Healthcare Act, we will provide affordable and quality healthcare to senior citizens in hospitals including free diagnostics, out-patient treatment, medicines and hospital treatment. Geriatric wards with sufficient beds will be opened in every district-level hospital.

2) We will introduce well-designed pension and health insurance schemes that will guarantee insured persons a life of dignity and comfort when they become senior citizens.

3) Senior citizens can contribute to the development of the communities in which they live. We will create opportunities for senior citizens to do so.

4) We will take measures to ensure easy access to legal services and recourse to senior citizens especially in cases of neglect, abuse, abandonment, eviction and financial fraud.

5) Congress promises to enforce strictly the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2017

See full document:  https://cdn.inc.in/manifestos/pdf_documents/000/000/005/original/English_Manifesto_MobilePDF_1April19-1.pdf?1554201123

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Our Silver innings take:

There is lots to do more....
It's good that Congress party is first political party which has given detailed agenda for Senior Citizens.

Good thing is they have stress upon Senior citizens,Participation and Experience utilization in the local community.

But it's very General agenda. 

They failed to mention National Policy of Senior Citizens. And regarding point no. 5 ... The amendment bill is already pending in Parliament.

Senior citizens will get Justice only if following can be done:

National Policy of Senior Citizens is implemented

Constitution of National Commission of Senior Citizens

Minimum 3000/- pension to poor Seniors

Free Health care and Health insurance to all Seniors

Exemption of 18% GST for Elder care

National Dementia Strategy




Sailesh Mishra
Founder
Silver Innings

Bharatiya Janata Party #loksabhaelection2014 Manifesto with regards to Senior Citizens Issues

My detail view: Bharatiya Janata Party #loksabhaelection2014 Manifesto with regards to Senior Citizens Issues

 
There are 104 million Senior Citizens (60+), 10% of total population and around 23% of total voting population.

Iam Happy and Unhappy with BJP party manifesto.

Iam Unhappy because it has  totally ignored NPOP( National Policy of Older Person) 1999, the Mission statement of Indian Govt. For 104 million Senior Citizens ; also there is no mention of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Iam happy because it does talks about Elders at various points such as: 

Direct Way:

• Its first Political Party that has mentioned Senior Citizens In table of Content and as one of major Focus area

• Page 19:Under: Social Security - A Caring Government, Passionate Society:  India has always been a caring society. It is in our culture to help the aged, the weak and the helpless. We have to retain this. We have to educate our younger generations about this. The social security schemes of the Governments have to be made more meaningful. Our aspirations get frustrated when we encounter a weak social infrastructure. We need it on a daily basis. 

• Page 19: Under: Senior Citizens:

1. BJP is committed to the welfare of senior citizens, especially their security and health care. We will take measures to deal with the issues related to the senior citizens in a focused manner.
2. BJP will: Provide financial support, exploring ideas like additional tax benefits and higher interest rates.
3. Invest in setting up and improving old-age homes.
4. Harness their experience in the National Interest. Devise schemes and programs to engage thesenior 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.

• Page 25 and 26 Under Health Services - Increase the Access, Improve the Quality, Lower the Cost :  Senior Citizens healthcare would be a special focus area

• Page 27 and 28: Under: Agriculture - Productive, Scientific and Rewarding : Put in place welfare measures for farmers above 60 years in age, small and marginal farmers and farm labours.

  

Indirect:

• Page 31: Under : Labour Force - The Pillar of Our Growth: Strengthen the Pension and Health Insurance safety nets for all kinds of labourers

• Page 33  Under Railway: Tourist Rail - including Pilgrimage Rail.

Read #BJPManifesto2014 in detail: http://www.bjp.org/manifesto2014

This election,We at Silver Inning Foundation and Millions of Senior Citizens will only VOTE for a Candidate or political party who declares in its manifesto a promise to pass and implement NPOP 1999(National Policy of Senior Citizens) in LokSabha, Otherwise,  We will use our right to NOTA (None Of The Above). 

Dear friends, We appeal to the youth and all the Senior Citizens to join us in making our country an elder friendly one. Yes, We are the Change. Now it’s your turn to be the change!!!  If you also care about your Elders as much as we do, please share!

Silver Inning Foundation urges political parties, civil society, media, government and community to have any policy and program Inclusive of Senior Citizens or for all ages and have Empathy towards our Senior Citizens, one day we will too grow old......

Sailesh Mishra
Founder

Aam Aadmi Party #loksabhaelection2014 Manifesto with regards to Senior Citizens Issues

My view: Aam Aadmi Party  #loksabhaelection2014 Manifesto with regards to Senior Citizens Issues:

Iam Totally Unhappy and Sad with Aam Aadmi Party #AAP manifesto for general election, had expected them to cover major issues of 104 million Senior Citizens, 10% of total population and around 23% of total voting population.

It's actually shocking and surprising, they have fully ignored and neglected Senior Citizens issues despite sending them constant reminder since 25th Nov 2012 when the party was formed and they asked for opinion for making their party constitution. I had written Open letter to party and they had acknowledge the same too.

My view:
The AAP has not mentioned Senior Citizens anywhere.
On page 18 they mentioned Social Security for unorganized sector
On page 16 - this is only place they have direct mention about Old Age Pension

Indirect way, on page 8 they have mention Right to Health and on page 12 they have mention that they will Facilitate Social Security Net and  On page 21 under PWD(cognitive disability); all this might be useful to Elders if this policy is Inclusive.

Iam unhappy because it has  not mentioned anywhere Senior Citizens as focus agenda and not mentioned in Table of Content; it has totally ignored NPOP( National Policy of Older Person) 1999, the Mission statement of Indian Govt. For 104 million Senior Citizens ; also there is no mention of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

It's good they have mention Animal welfare but forgot Our Elders, Human beings......

Check the Aam Aadmi Party #AAP Election 2014 Manifesto:

http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/aap-manifesto-2014


Check here too for. AAP Manifesto:
 https://m.app.box.com/index.php?rm=box_download_shared_file&file_id=f_15890296399&shared_name=q9k6f7e21265olkpxrzq

https://m.app.box.com/view_shared/q9k6f7e21265olkpxrzq

Will check other parties Manifesto also in few days, hope other parties have that Will to talk about our Elders and have Inclusive policy for them.......... Silver Innings urges political parties, civil society, media, government and community to have. Empathy towards our Senior Citizens, one day we will too grow old......

Sailesh Mishra
Founder

This election Senior Citizens will Use NOTA (None Of The Above)

This election,We at Silver Innings and Millions of Senior Citizens will only VOTE for a Candidate or political party who declares in its manifesto a promise to pass and implement NPOP (National Policy of Senior Citizens) in LokSabha, Otherwise,  We will use our right to NOTA (None Of The Above). 

Dear friends, We appeal to the youth and all the Senior Citizens to join us in making our country an elder friendly one. Yes, We are the Change. Now it’s your turn to be the change!!!  If you also care about your Elders as much as we do, please share!

Sailesh Mishra 

Founder President 

Indian National Congress Manifesto with regards to Senior Citizens Issues

Indian National Congress #loksabhaelection2014 Manifesto with regards to Senior Citizens Issues:


Iam Unhappy and Happy with Congress party manifesto.

Iam unhappy because it has  not mentioned Senior Citizens as focus agenda and not mentioned in Table of Content; it has totally ignored NPOP( National Policy of Older Person) 1999, the Mission statement of Indian Govt. For 104 million Senior Citizens ; also there is no mention of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Iam happy because it does talks about Elders at various points such as: 

In page no. 8 it talks about PFRDA 2013(pension regulator body);

In page no 10 in 15 point agenda it mentions in point 1b) Pension and point 1d) Social security; 

In page 14 it talks about Pension cover, Old age Protection and Old age homes;

In page no 30 it talks about Universal Pension for the Elderly and Widows;

Also the manifesto does mentions two points which may benefit Senior Citizens if it makes Right to Health and Rastriya Swastya Bima Yojna(health insurance) Inclusive.

Check the Congress (INC) Election 2014 

Manifesto:http://inc.in/media/pdf/English_Manifesto_for_Web.pdf 

Check the Manifesto website: http://inc.in/manifesto/ 

Will check other parties Manifesto also in few days, hope other parties have that Will to talk about our Elders and have Inclusive policy for them.......... Silver Innings urges political parties, civil 

society, media, government and community to have Empathy towards our Senior Citizens, one day 

we will too grow old......

Sailesh Mishra

Founder President 

Senior Citizens National Solidarity Day India: 16th August 2011 - WAKEUP CALL to all Senior Citizens

Senior Citizens inspite of their number, collective wisdom & experience, will continue to be ignored and marginalized unless they unite. – Kofi Annan



Executive Committee meeting of AISCCON was held at Hyderabad on 3rd July 2011. Many participants felt that the momentum gained by the observance of Senior Citizens National Protest Day last year on 15th August 2010 should not be allowed to be dissipated. We should continue to mark our presence felt in the society and in government circles. Therefore it was decided that we should observe 16th August 2011 as SENIOR CITIZENS NATIONAL SOLIDARITY DAY all over India. The Executive Committee has appointed me as the Chief Coordinator for this task.

Directly as a consequence of our nation wide protest activity last year, there has been some semblance of positive action from the central government. We have seen concessions in Income Tax structure, Railway fares, quantum of Old Age Pension, eligibility criteria etc. However, most State governments are yet to wake up and respond. They continue to be indifferent towards our problems and concerns. Hence through our activities on August 16, this year we should focus our attention to fulfillment of state level demands.

There are also numerous glaring disparities in payment of pensions to retirees from different sectors, causing severe hardship in some cases. We have to highlight them and seek their redressal.

There is likely to be some restrictions on rallies and walkathons this year due to existing political climate. Therefore, we shall limit ourselves to: 1) conducting a series of meetings of SCAs at District and State level 2) keeping media posted with our activities and efforts 3) meeting MLAs, MPs and Ministers including the CMs 4) getting the cooperation of media to partner with us in our struggle. Every effort must be made to bring together various groups like SCAs, NGOs, Walkers Clubs, Retirees and Pensioners associations etc. The feeling that senior citizens have come together as one united body must be created in the minds of public, media and the powers that be. They should be made to recognize our number and vote power of 100 million Senior Citizens.

A detailed kit containing strategies, templates and list of probable activities etc will be sent shortly. As the time is very short we request all city level and state level organizations to take up all initiatives by themselves to promote solidarity among senior citizens. Kindly call upon your constituent associations and arrange for meetings – among themselves, with politicians and send delegations to CM for submission of demands.

We shall soon be posting a kit of guideline documents to enable all concerned to take it up further.

Like last year, let us make SCNSD also a great success!


Regards

Dated: 5th July 2011

Dr P Vyasamoorthy
Chief Coordinator – Senior Citizens National Solidarity Day
Hyderabad Dated: 5th July 2011


Coordinating Committee
Sri R.N.Mital : Chief Sponsor . President –AISCCON. rnmital@gmail.com

Dr. P. Vyasamoorthy : Chief Coordinator . Jt Secretary – AISCCON . vyasamoorthy@gmail.com

Sri Sailesh Mishra : Joint coordinator . Founder – Silver Innings Foundation . silverinnings@gmail.com

Prof. V. Vishweswariah : General Secretary . Vice-President – AISCCON . viswam_1932@yahoo.com

Sri V. Nageswar Rao : Jt. Secretary . Secretary General – APSCCON. nageshwararao_v@yahoo.com

Sri K Krishna Rao : Treasurer . Secretary – AOSC-H . Kkr601@gmail.com

Contact Address:

Joint Action Committee for Organising Senior Citizens' National Solidarity Day on August 16, 2011
Address : 30, Gruhalakshmi Colony, Secunderabad 500015 ,A.P., INDIA, Tel. : 040-27846631, Fax : 040-2354 8409, Email : vyasamoorthy@gmail.com
Website: http://scnsd.posterous.com/

These senior citizens do not miss the vote bus

In order to facilitate hassle-free commuting on polling day for the elderly and senior voters residing in Athashri Housing Society, located in three parts of the city — Pashan, Bavdhan and Hadapsar— the society authorities roped in special private buses to ferry them to the polling stations on Monday.

“It has been a practice to make special arrangements to take our senior residents to polling booths in privately owned buses. This saves time and energy. All the voters were enthusiastic about exercising their franchise and the bus had to make two trips,” said Vijay Raikar, manager of Pashan Athashri.

The polling booths for the 350 Athashri residents, including a number of elders in Pashan were in Sutarwadi and Abhinav Art College. “By 11 am, we were back home after voting,” said Suhas Bapat, a resident. Eighty-one-year-old VS Raja said, “I never miss an opportunity to cast my vote. Since the transportation was arranged, there was no question of being sluggish and not stepping out to vote.”

At the Athashri in Bavdhan, only ten residents voted. “There are 105 flats in this society. In the occupied flats, there are 55 residents and out of that, only ten people voted. The others did not show interest,” manager Deepak Patil said.

An office-bearer of ‘Nivara’, an old-age home in Navi Peth, said, “There are around 140 residents here. Many of them are too old or preoccupied with their own problems. For the Lok Sabha polls, some of the inmates voted. But this time, nobody seemed keen.”

However, the overall picture was not discouraging. Like 75-year-old Vishwanath Bhatt near Bopodi, whose weak eyesight did not deter him from casting his vote, many senior citizens ventured out and voted. While waiting for a vehicle to ferry him to the polling booth, Bhat said, “I have been voting for the last 35 years and always make it a point to exercise my franchise. Though my eyesight has become weaker, it will not pose a problem when I vote.”

Source:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/these-senior-citizens-do-not-miss-the-vote-bus/528890/

Elderly to vote but rue govt apathy

This time the silver brigade, which has always been conscious about its responsibility as a citizen and rather diligent about casting its vote, feels ignored and does not seem to be too upbeat about the election.

Over years, every poll booth had seen senior citizens exercising their franchise without fail. While some queue up just before the afternoon siesta, for others, like 82-year-old Lamington Road resident Adi Jasswalla, casting their votes right in the morning has become a ritual. Even before he goes on his daily morning walk around August Kranti Maidan, Jasswalla makes sure he casts his vote. Joining him in the queue are his octogenarian fiends and neighbours. “I am going to be on time this year as well. It is my right and I will vote till my health fails,’’ says the retired banker who lives alone. He believes security is on the top of people’s mind, his age.

However, Sailesh Mishra, founder president of the Silver Inning Foundation, a community of senior citizens, says the elderly are not too enthusiastic this time around. “They feel that they have been ignored though they form over 15% of the vote bank,’’ he says, pointing at the state government’s failure to implement the National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP).

NGOs for senior citizens, like Help Age India, also wonder about what happened to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. “The state declared that it would be implemented on March 1, but nothing has happened,’’ says Prakash Borgaonkar, joint director, Help Age India. Under the Act, a Maintenance Application can be filed by senior citizens who are unable to protect themselves from abuses by their children or relatives.

Introducing geriatrics as a subject in government colleges and directing special attention to “teaching schoolchildren how to take care of elders’’ are a few of the other demands, says Mishra.

He also said a special ward should be started in every municipal hospital.

Senior citizens feel that the government has ignored them, failing to implement several policies.

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Courtesy:
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2009/10/13&EntityId=Ar00205&GZ=T&AppName=1&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T

Security, health care main concerns of Elderly voters

With Delhi all set to go to the polls on Thursday, senior citizens in the Capital want security from crime and abuse and better health care facilities from the new dispensation at the Centre.
Announcing the findings of a new random survey of senior citizens here, HelpAge India said that out of a total sample size of 309 senior citizens, 96.4 per cent said they would cast their vote in the Lok Sabha polls.

While 82.2 per cent of the respondents were men, 17.7 per cent were women.

Pointing out that issues related to the younger generation have been the main focus in the run-up to the general elections, HelpAge India chief executive Mathew Cherian said: “While a lot of focus is on the youth, their need to vote, their contribution in forming the new government and what they want, the senior citizens and their needs are being overlooked. It is sad considering that they are the ones who make sure that they cast their votes in each election.”

According to HelpAge India, 41.4 per cent seniors have stated that they have been unhappy with the past governments and list security from crime as No.1 priority.

Safety and health were prime issues for 57.41 per cent of the respondents.

Thirty per cent of the senior citizens stated security from crime and abuse as their main concern followed by a close second of 27.41 per cent for better health care.

Fifty-nine respondents from across the city want the new government at the Centre to lay emphasis on multiple issues like better infrastructure, policing and legal facilities and availability of electricity and water.

Senior citizens also want increase and access to pension, faster implementation of the National Policy of Older Persons and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with safety and health from the new government. “The senior citizens of Delhi are clearly unhappy with the State Government and want the new government at the Centre to be more assertive in preventing crime and abuse against the elderly and provide affordable and better health care. I am certain that this is a grievance of not only Delhi seniors but the entire country. With an estimated 20 per cent or more of the total votes cast belonging to the seniors, it will be difficult to ignore them for too long,” said Kapil Kaul of HelpAge India.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/06/stories/2009050659250400.htm

In Election 2009 Senior Citizens puts Yongsters to Shame

One of the most neglected and ignored segment is of Senior Citizens. Elders 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. Government and Civil Society are not bothered of this experienced and skill group of people.

Population of people above 60 years of age is estimated to be 86 million in 2008.The Life span has increased by 60% in 60 yrs. India has today second largest population of Senior Citizens.

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

The growing population and voice 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% huge and powerful and 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.

Silver Inning Foundation an NGO working with Elderly had appealed Elders to use their voting power.It had also asked Political Parties to include Senior Citizens issues and solution in their respective Manifesto.

Senior Citizens were at their best as usual they participated in big numbers in 2009 General Election of India.See some of the news items in leading Indian News Papers:

Various News Item:


Inveterate voters make their mark

The enthusiasm of senior citizens to vote on Thursday should put youngsters to shame. As against the abysmal turnout of youth, senior citizens exercised their sovereign right mindless of their age.

Nothing was seen as an impediment by the enthusiastic elderly from casting their precious vote. Attired in crisp white pyjamas and kurtas and in some cases traditional outfits the earnestness shown by the aged to vie for their candidate was one of its kind.

Without disrupting the security norms and seeking any extra favours, senior citizens came out in full swing to choose their candidate. Withstanding the heat and long queues, the patience shown by the aged for voting was a commendable feat. "On Thursday autos were assigned to ferry electoral equipment and officers. But the striking aspect of the day was when I had to pick an ailing senior citizen to vote. He was finding it very difficult to walk and required assistance even to reach to the booth. However his determination to cast vote was amazing," said Vashi Taxi Rickshaw Chalak Malak Ekta Union's president Sunil Borde.

Placing complete trust on democracy for the senior citizen casting of vote is symbolic to the love one has for the country. The whole process is revered more than just an ink mark drawn upon the finger. "I'm 92 years old and voted inspite of having to walk a stretch of 2 kms. The Indian government renewed my passport for another 10 years, so if God wills then I will vote again the next time. God bless those who don't vote for it is a responsibility towards one's nation. It's an immensely thought out decision that I execute with total dedication on the day of voting for a candidate," said Belapur resident Sardar Kabil Singh.

Nurturing an aspiration for a stable government that provides a prosperous future is the primary motivating factor that prompts the aged to vote. "I want a stable government that can lead the nation to its best. If I don't vote then I have no right to complain for the bad governance that I will have to endure for the next five years. The initiative of independent candidates is praiseworthy, but the country can only be lead by a strong party. My vote will play a prominent role in bringing the correct party into power," said 84-year-old Gauri Mullick vice president of the Belapur-based Association for Senior Citizens.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1251905



Senior citizens in old age homes indifferent to polls
They have seen political parties come and go, all these years. While most senior citizens remain indifferent to the processes of democracy, a hopeful few still see it as an initiator of change.

Sixty-nine-year-old Sulochana Naik, a resident of the Nivara Old People's home in Navi Peth, voted in the last elections. This time around, though, she has no intentions of doing so. "I just wanted to see what the atmosphere is like," she shrugs adding, "And I did. In any case, I don't think it makes a difference."

In fact, Naik's response sums up the general mood of the senior citizens at the various old people's homes in the city, when it comes to the elections. Nirmala Sovani, trustee-manager of Nivaara says, "We have about 180 residents here.

Many of them are too old or too preoccupied with their own problems. Our organisation does not encourage or discourage anyone from voting. But political parties are allowed to canvas inside the premises. On the day of the elections, various parties arrange for the transportation. We also provide our own transport for those who are interested," she says.

At another old age home in Camp, 75-year-old Ronnie Perrera (name changed) gives you a blank look when asked if he is planning to vote. "I have recently suffered two cardiac arrests and besides, I am diabetic too. Do you think I'm interested in the elections?" he grumbles.

The warden at the old age home, points to a newspaper poll, which asks readers whether they actually believe in the promises made by politicians. "Ninety per cent have said no. Naturally, we aren't any different," she says. "Honestly, it's the local community which helps us.

They are the ones who want to know what we need, and help out. Even if we get a government that promises funds for old people's homes, the paper work will drown us!" she remarked. She said that there were some registered voters but most of them were just too old and sick to make it on voting day. Others would agree.

"Whatever we need, the people who live in the vicnity, ensure we receive. Be it ration, clothing or even money we don't run short. And the government has little to do with it," says another trustee. According to Sudha Dhamankar, manager, Tapodham Old People's Home in Warje, "Our inmates do vote. But as such, it's an indifferent process.

They know little about the candidate because they have never seen the candidates from the area," she says, adding, "Possibly because parties don't think the votes of senior citizens matter." In sharp contrast, Jayant Savlekar, manager at the 100-inmate strong Matoshree old people's home, says, "The inmates out here are pretty charged up about voting.

In the last elections, the voters' cards weren't ready as quite a few of them were from outside Pune.

But this time around, they are all in place." 75-year-old Usha Modak, a retired school-teacher affirms: "If you want the system to change, you must make the effort. I believe that in the next ten years, India's demography is going to show a huge change. As life expectancies increase, the number of old people are going to increase too. We need to come up with a pressure group to take up our issues."

For his part, 82-year-old Shriram Pundalik says, "The question of age doesn't bother me. Our collective political fate does." And how are they planning to travel on the day of voting? "By foot, because the polling booth is right next door. In any case, we wouldn't have accepted transport from any one,"says Savlekar.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Pune/Senior-citizens-in-old-age-homes-indifferent-to-polls/articleshow/4325619.cms



Senior citizens steal the show in Delhi
A large number of elderly people in the national capital today came out to cast their ballot as they did not want to be a 'pappu', a name given by Delhi electoral office to those who do not cast their votes.

Senior citizens across the seven constituencies queued up to vote right from the early hours of the polling. "I don't want to be a pappu," said 72-year-old Aditya Raizada, showing his ink-mark after coming out from a polling booth at Vinod Nagar in East Delhi constituency.

Raizada, a former scribe, who came with his wife and son added, "Though we don't have much choice, voting for me is a sense of duty. I hope the next government will be a better one."
In Tilak Nagar of West Delhi constituency, 91-year-old Vishambar Das came along with his 80-year-old wife Krishnawati to vote. "I came with a desire that government should do good work and should work for people like us," Das said.

Similarly, an 81-year-old woman was one of the early voters at the Nirman Bhavan polling booth, a VIP polling booth in the capital where political heavyweights exercised their franchise. Even physical discomfort could not deter the spirit of many such voters who braved long queues to exercise their franchise some times even under the scorching sun.

Ram Das, 80, a retired MTNL officer, turned up to vote at a polling station in Hari Nagar area. He came with a urine bag attached. A number of physically challenged persons voted in Tilak Nagar, Tilak Vihar, Trilokpuri, Mangolpuri, Hari Nagar, Rohini and Rithala areas. While for some it was a regular exercise of their duty, many came with certain pressing issues in their mind and expectations from their next representative.

"I only need food and cloth," said octogenarian Gyarasi Devi, who walked up to a booth at cramp Mangolpuri locality in North-West Delhi, soon after the polling started. For few, the reason for coming to vote was that they simply did not want to be left out of the political process. "I came here to vote so that parties later do not ask where were you at the time of voting," said Mustaqueen, 80. Delhi has over 21 lakh voters in the age group of 50 to 80 years out of the total 1.1 crore electorate.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=d6d9ba25-ab6d-4ef7-bc11-bdbe645cfcd9&Headline=Senior+citizens+steal+the+show+in+Delhi


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