Elderly are now a responsibility of govt: CM

“Why are we celebrating World Elders Day in a major way? It is because families cannot look after their own?” he said. “I am also a senior citizen. I turned 65. I am also a part of Elders Day celebrations,” the CM said.

“We had a lot of respect for our village elders when we were young. We would listen to what they had to say. Young people would not smoke or drink before elders. All that is changing now,” Siddaramaiah said.

While there were still some joint families in rural areas,the structure had virtually disappeared from urban areas,he said.

“Earlier,when a person spoke he would speak about family. Now,it is all about ‘me’. We are seeing a situation where elders are being thrown out of their homes and asked to fend for themselves. This is not good. When you neglect elders,it is an inhuman act. It must not happen. Elders have to be an essential part of families,” Siddaramaiah said.

The CM said he had instructed the police to ensure security of seniors,especially those living alone. He asked the elderly living alone to provide their details to the police.

Many senior citizens brought to the Town Hall for the event by their associations used the occasion to express concern on issues such as travel concessions and pension.