India :-India, a sub-continent that carries 15 per cent of the world’s population, is gradually undergoing a demographic change as a result of many factors including specific development programs. With decline in fertility and mortality rates accompanied by an improvement in child survival and increased life expectancy, a significant feature of demographic change is the progressive increase in the number of older people. Like any other country ageing is a challenge and a problem. We need to make people fit and work- whatever the age. If they are working that solves half the problem. We have to improve their skill levels, education and health, that’s the key as they are a new power for development”.
Ageing is a development issue. Healthy older persons are a resource for their families, their communities and the economy”-states WHO. The theme of this year’s 24th commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons (1 October) is “Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for all. It echoes the spirit behind Government of India’s visionary theme of Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikas. Development alone cannot bring peace and prosperity unless social justice and equality of older people are ensured. With the improvement in health services, Life Expectancy at birth for both males and females has shown a steady rise and it has contributed to an increase in the number of persons in the category of experienced aged people .Thus as the world develops socio-economically, the number of aged increases and their contribution through government service, honorary jobs, volunteer work, sharing of experience and knowledge, helping their families in caring responsibilities and participation in gainful employment will also grow. Such contributions to development can only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, for which appropriate policies need to be in place.
Well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. Article 41, Directive Principle of State Policy stipulates that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securities, right to public assistance in case of old age. There are other provisions too, which mandates the state to improve the quality of life of its citizens. Right to equality as a Fundamental right further strengthen older persons. Social security has been made the concurrent responsibility of the central and state Governments.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal Ministry responsible for welfare of the Senior Citizens. The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) 1999, covers all concerns pertaining to the welfare of older persons and recognizes a person aged 60 years and above as a senior citizen. In pursuance of the NPOP, a National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) was constituted in 1999 under the Chairpersonship of the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment to oversee implementation of the Policy. An Inter-Ministerial Committee on Older Persons comprising twenty-two Ministries/ Departments, and headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is another coordination mechanism in implementation of the NPOP.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was enacted in December 2007 to ensure need based maintenance for parents and senior citizens and their welfare. The Act provides for: Maintenance of Parents/ senior citizens by children/ relatives made obligatory and justiciable through Tribunals; Revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of negligence by relatives; Penal provision for abandonment of senior citizens; Establishment of Old Age Homes for Indigent Senior Citizens; Adequate medical facilities and security for Senior Citizens.
There is so much that our laws holds for Senior Citizen but what we really need to do as the youngsters of India We have to be extremely passionate with them and more than the legal frame to help they require us to listen to them be empathic and they are the Ocean of Experience.
Like any other country ageing is a challenge and a problem. We need to make people fit and work- whatever the age. If they are working that solves half the problem. We have to improve their skill levels, education and health, that’s the key as they are a new power for development”.
