Panel moots right of residence for old parents

The Committee has also taken cognisance of the fact that Clause 1(2) of the Bill says that the Act’s application extends throughout India except Jammu & Kashmir with a reference to the state’s special status in the Constitution. It has recommended that the clause be amended to include J &K as well as the legislation deals with social and family issues that is applicable to this state also and would help its senior citizens and parents enjoy the benefits of the Act.

The Committee has strongly advocated that the Union government play an active role to help achieve the goals delineated and its role should be defined specifically in the Bill. It has also pointed out that the Centre cannot absolve itself of the responsibility towards maintenance and care of senior citizens and limit its role only to issuing of directives to state Governments. The report goes on to say that although the onus for implementation of the proposed legislation largely lies with the state Governments, the Centre must play a “proactive role” to help do so in a time-bound manner.

The House Committee noted that no provisions are there to financially assist state Governments to this end and has suggested grants-in-aid be given to the state Governments for setting up tribunals and appellate tribunals and their related infrastructure, to help establish and maintain old age homes besides including provisions for recreation centres and group health insurance for the elderly. It also advocates that the applications for monthly allowance be disposed of within 90 days of stipulated period and not longer unless there are exceptional circumstances and tribunals and appellate tribunals be set up within six months from the date the Act comes into force.

Other suggestions made by the Committee

• Involve private sector for cost effective services to

senior citizens

• Get private hospitals to give concessional treatment to older people

• Setting up of Senior Citizen Service information centres in each district and medical camps in rural areas

• Locating old age homes near orphanages so that youngsters can interact and take guidance from the elderly