JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE (JAC) OF SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANISATIONS MUMBAI organized a press Conference at Mumbai Marathi patrkaar Sangh and raised few questions to central and State government…
Key Demands for Senior Citizens by JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE—
To address the challenges faced by the 1.77 crore Senior Citizens in Maharashtra, we urge political parties to incorporate the following into their manifestoes and policy frameworks:
- Financial Security: Strengthening pension schemes, subsidies, and economic support systems for Senior Citizens.
- Healthcare and Nutrition: Accessible, affordable healthcare services tailored to the needs of the elderly, including preventive care, long- term care, and nutritional support.
- Shelter and Welfare: Safe and affordable housing solutions, shelter homes, and community welfare programs for Senior Citizens.
- Protection of Life and Property: Legal safeguards to protect the rights, life, and property of Senior Citizens, with measures to combat elder abuse.
- Active and Productive Aging with Intergenerational Bonding: Initiatives to promote active engagement and social participation of Senior Citizens in society, fostering stronger intergenerational ties.
- Accessibility, Transport, and Age-Friendly Environments: Developing infrastructure that promotes mobility, accessibility, and an age-friendly environment.
- Awareness Generation and Capacity Building: Spreading awareness on elder rights, welfare programs, and enhancing skills and capacities to support Senior Citizens.
- Promoting the Silver Economy: Encouraging senior-friendly industries, goods, and services that cater to the needs of the elderly.
- Research and Data Collection: Establishing comprehensive databases on aging and including gerontology and geriatrics in academic research.
- Project Management: Dedicated resources for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs aimed at Senior Citizens.
- Local Government Implementation: Mandate that all local self-governments, municipalities, and municipal corporations implement Senior Citizens Policy and start programs for the elderly
- Legal Protections: Fully implement The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and appoint tribunals in all districts.
- Educational Projects: Encourage schools, colleges, and management institutes to start projects and chapters focused on Senior Citizens and intergenerational bonding.
- Gerontology and Geriatric Education: Make it mandatory for social work and nursing colleges to introduce courses on gerontology and geriatrics, respectively.
- GST Relief: Urge the GST Council to withdraw the 18% GST on elder care services and accommodation.
- Railway Concessions: Restore railway concessions for Senior
Citizens, which were. suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Public Transport Concessions: Provide a 50% concession for Senior Citizens on all state road and municipal transport services.
- Travel Convenience: Ensure public bus services feature low- floor boarding options and reserved seating for Senior Citizens. Additionally, mandate reserved compartments in local trains and Instruct auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to prioritize Senior Citizens, ensuring they cannot refuse service,
- Healthcare Coverage: Include all Senior Citizens aged 60 and above under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, regardless of income.
- Health protection: Universal Free Adult Vaccination for all 60plus, including Flu, Pneumonia, Herpes etc
- Special Assistance for 80+ Seniors: Launch special healthcare and financial assistance programs for seniors aged 80 and above.
- Geriatric Wards: Establish geriatric wards in government and municipal hospitals, and encourage similar wards in private and charitable hospitals.
- Dementia Care: Develop a State Action Plan for Dementia to address the growing number of dementia and Alzheimer’s cases (currently affecting 10% of Senior Citizens), focusing on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation.
- Nutrition Support: Include BPL Senior Citizens in the Poshan 2.0-Integrated Nutrition Support Program through Midday Meals.
- Programs for Older Women: Create specialized programs for older women aged 60 and above.
- Programs for Marginalized Groups: Develop targeted programs for older transgender individuals, tribal communities, and elderly prisoners.
- Support for Homeless and Childless Seniors: Implement schemes for homeless and childless Senior Citizens, providing shelter, food, and social security.
- Age-Friendly Urban Planning: Mandate the use of WHO Global Age-Friendly Cities Guidelines in all city planning and development plans (DP plans).
- Regulation of Retirement Homes: Fully implement the
MahaRERA Order on the regulation of retirement homes (Order No. MahaRERA/CC/729/2024, dated 02.02.2024). - Recreation and Care Facilities: Develop multipurpose senior care centers, dementia day care centers, night shelters for homeless seniors, respite care facilities, sports and dedicated parks and recreation centers for Senior Citizens.
31 Concessions for Entertainment Facilities: Provide Senior Citizens with discounted access to theaters, cinemas, halls, and auditoriums to ensure their participation in cultural and recreational
activities
- Digital and Financial Literacy Programs: Implement programs to equip Senior Citizens with essential digital and financial literacy skills, including safe usage of online platforms, financial planning, investments, and cybersecurity awareness.
- Restart Free Old Age Homes: Revive and support the Matoshri free old age homes for Senior Citizens.
- Mobile Healthcare Vans: Provide mobile healthcare vans for slums and rural areas.
- Health Camps: Organize regular eye and general health camps in slums, MHADA, SRA, and rural areas.
- Affordable Housing. Include Senior Citizens in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing.
- Gerontology Training: Promote gerontology training and capacity-building programs for NGOs, caregivers, government officials, and police.
- Celebration of International Senior Citizens Days: Celebrate the following United Nations-recognized international days at state, district, municipal, panchayat, school, and college levels:
June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
September 21: World Alzheimer’s Day
October 1. International Day of Older Persons
