Emphasising that old-age homes should be the last option for senior citizens,Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Kumari Selja on Tuesday called for a review of policies meant for the elderly at the 17th anniversary celebrations of the Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association (CSCA). The minister added that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,2007,was not up to the mark. Project Kalpana,an initiative to help girls from weaker sections of society pursue higher education,was also launched on the occasion. Under the project,named after famous Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla,a dadi will be appointed for each student to provide them counselling on a regular basis. The dadi will preferably be a member residing in the neighbourhood with suitable qualification,aptitude and time. Several projects initiated by CSCA have been providing services not only to senior citizens but also to other sections of the society. Project Kalpana will focus on higher education for girls from villages and slum areas, said Daljit Singh Grewal,president,CSCA. He added that it was the brainchild of CSCA member Col Jatinder Singh. Kumari Selja also assured the association that she would take their demand,for the providing them with funds through the National Savings Scheme,1986,to the Planning Commission.
