Lok Sabha Question No. 596 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-06
Subject: National Policy for Senior Citizens
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 596 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2018

## NATIONAL POLICY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

## 596. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has prepared/is implementing a new national policy for senior citizen in view of the changing demographic pattern, socio economic needs of the senior citizens, social value system etc.;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the aims and objectives;
- (c) if not, the time by which the said policy is likely to be implemented; and
- (d) the other measures being taken by the Government for welfare of older persons in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)

- (a):  Yes,  madam.  Keeping  in  view  the  changing  demographic  pattern,  feminisation  of  ageing, socio-economic  needs  of  the  senior  citizens,  social  value  system,  advancement  in  the  field  of science  and  technology  over  the  last  decade,  the  existing  National  Policy  on  Older  Persons (NPOP) is currently under revision.
- (b) & (c): The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) has been renamed as National Policy for Senior Citizens (NPSrC). The draft NPSrC envisages mainstreaming of issues concerning senior citizens, creating an inclusive barrier-free and age-friendly environment, promoting the concept of 'Ageing  in  Place',  providing  special  attention  to  the  needs  of  the  oldest  of  the  old  and  elderly women, protecting  senior  citizens  from  neglect,  abuse  or  exploitation,  health  care  and  support, shelter,  financial  independence  etc.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Policy  encompasses  various aspects of welfare of senior citizens, it would be finalised shortly.
- (d): Ministries/Departments of the Central and the State Governments provide various benefits/facilities for the welfare of Senior Citizens. A list incorporating such measures taken by the Central Government is at Annexure .

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## ANNEXURE

## INITIATIVES OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FOR WELFARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS As on January 2018)

## MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT:

## 1. National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999

The existing National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in January 1999 by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to reaffirm the commitment to ensure the wellbeing of the older persons. The Policy envisaged State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and other needs of older persons, equitable share in development,  protection  against  abuse  and  exploitation,  and  availability  of  services  to improve the quality of their lives. The primary objectives were: to encourage individuals to make provision for their own as well as their spouse's old age; to encourage families to take care of their older family members; to enable and support voluntary and non-governmental organizations to supplement the care provided by the family; to provide care and protection to  the  vulnerable  elderly  people;  to  provide  adequate  healthcare  facility  to  the  elderly;  to promote  research  and  training  facilities  to  train  geriatric  care  givers  and  organizers  of services for the elderly; and to create awareness regarding elderly persons to help them lead productive and independent live.

Keeping in view the changing demographic pattern, feminisation of ageing, socio-economic needs of the senior citizens,  social  value  system,  advancement  in  the  field  of  science  and technology over the last decade, the existing National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) is currently under revision.

## 2. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

The  Maintenance  and  Welfare  of  Parents  and  Senior  Citizens  (MWPSC)  Act,  2007  was enacted in December 2007 to ensure need based maintenance for parents and senior citizens and their welfare. The Act is not applicable to the State of Jammu & Kashmir, and the state of  Himachal Pradesh has  its own Act  for Senior Citizens. The benefits of the Act extend also  to  senior  citizens,  with  Indian  Citizenship,  staying  abroad.  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 neglect by relatives, Penal provision for abandonment of senior citizens, Establishment of Old Age Homes for Indigent Senior

Citizens, and Adequate medical facilities and security for Senior Citizens. The Act has been notified by all States and UTs. The States/ UTs which have notified the Act are required to frame  Rules  under  Section  32;  constitute  Maintenance  and  Appellate  Tribunals  under Sections 7 and 15; and appoint Maintenance Officers under Section 18 under the Act.

However, amendment of the MWPSC Act is under consideration in this Ministry, pursuant to the recommendation of the Group of Secretaries on Education and Social Development constituted by the Government.

## 3. National Council of Senior Citizens

In pursuance of the National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP), a National Council for Older Persons  (NCOP)  was  constituted  in  1999  to  oversee  implementation  of  the  Policy  and  to advise the Government  in the  formulation and  implementation of policy and programmes for the  aged. The  National  Council  for  Older  Persons  (NCOP)  has  been  reconstituted and renamed as  National  Council  of  Senior  Citizens  (NCSrC).   The  mandate of  NCSrC  is  to advise Central and State Governments on the entire gamut of  issues related to welfare of senior citizens and enhancement of their quality of life. The Hon'ble Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment is the Chairperson of the Council. The Council comprises of non-official members  hailing from every region of the country and has fifty percent  women participation.  The  Council  meets  every  year,  under  the  chairpersonship  of  the  Hon'ble Minister (SJ&E) to discuss upon issues relating to the welfare of senior citizens.

## 4. Celebration of International Day for Older Persons (IDOP)

In order to recognize the efforts made by eminent senior citizens and Institutions involved in  rendering  distinguished  services  for  the  cause  of  elderly  persons,  especially  indigent senior  citizens,  the  Ministry  of  Social  Justice  and  Empowerment  (Department  of  Social Justice  and  Empowerment)  has  a  Scheme  of  National  Awards  for  senior  citizens  to showcase the Government's concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards senior citizens with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society.  The Scheme of National Awards for senior citizens was notified in the Gazette of India on 22.01.2013. The awards named 'Vayoshreshtha Samman' were presented for the first time during 2013, on 1 st October, on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP).

The Awards are conferred on eminent individuals and outstanding institutions or organizations including Best Institution for Research in the field of Ageing, Best Institution for providing Services to Senior Citizens and Awareness Generation, Best

District Panchayat in providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens, Best Urban Local Body in providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens, Best State in Implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and providing Services and  Facilities  to  Senior  Citizens,  Best  Private  Sector  Organisation  in  promoting  the wellbeing and welfare of Senior Citizens, and Best Public Sector Organisation in promoting the wellbeing and welfare of Senior Citizens (Citation and Memento), Centenarian, Lifetime Achievement, Creative Art etc.

On  1 st October  every  year,  Ministry  of  Social  Justice  and  Empowerment  also  organizes Health Camps, Inter-generational walkathons etc. in different States with active participation of Senior Citizens, Youth, Celebrities and Media-persons etc.

## 5. Central Sector Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP)

Department  of  Social  Justice  and  Empowerment  runs  the  Central  Sector  Scheme  of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP). Under the Scheme, financial assistance up to 90% of the project cost is provided to Government/Non-Governmental Organizations/Panchayati Raj Institutions/local bodies etc. for running and maintaining old age  homes,  day  care  centres  and  mobile  medicare  units.  Some  of  the  innovative  projects under the Scheme are:

-  Maintenance of Respite Care Homes and Continuous Care Homes;
-  Running of Day Care Centres for Senior Citizens afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease/ Dementia;
-  Physiotherapy Clinics for Senior Citizens;
-  Helpline and Counselling Centres for Senior Citizens including Helpline for Senior Citizens at the National and District level by the Ministry;
-  Programme for Sensitisation of School/College Students;
-  Regional Resource and Training Centres;
-  Awareness Generation Programmes including those relating to the Maintennace and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007 and National Policy for Senior Citizens (NPSrC);
-  Formation of Vridha Sanghas/Senior Citizens Associations/Self Help Groups.

Some of the important activities/projects supported under the Scheme are:

-  Maintenance of Old Age Homes including those under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) to  provide  food,  care  and  shelter  for  a  minimum  number  of  25  destitute Senior Citizens.
-  Maintenance  of  Mobile  Medicare  Units  to  provide  medical  care  to  the  Senior Citizens living in rural, isolated and backward areas.
-  Maintenance of Respite Care Homes and Continuous Care Homes for a minimum of 25  Senior  Citizens  who  live  in  Old  Age  Homes  but  are  seriously  ill  requiring continuous nursing care and respite.

## 6. Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana- A Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices for Senior Citizens belonging to BPL Category

This  Scheme,  started  in  the  financial  year  2016-17,  aims  at  providing  Senior  Citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age related disability/infirmity viz. Low vision, Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and Locomotor disability, with such assistedliving  devices  which  can  restore  near  normalcy  in  their  bodily  functions,  overcoming  the disability/infirmity manifested. The assistive devices shall be of high quality and conforming to the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards, wherever feasible.

The National launch of the Scheme was done on 1st April 2017 at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Till 31 st January, 2018, a total of 19 camps had been held, wherein 52,512 devices have been distributed, benefiting 27368 senior citizens.

## 7. Senior Citizens Welfare Fund

Senior Citizens'  Welfare  Fund was established in 2016, for promotion of Schemes for the welfare of senior citizens, in line with the National Policy on Older Persons and the National Policy  for  Senior  Citizens,  including  schemes  for  promoting  financial  security  of  senior citizens,  healthcare  and  nutrition  of  senior  citizens,  welfare  of  elderly  widows,  schemes relating  to  Old  Age  Homes,  Short  Stay  Homes  and  Day  Care  of  senior  citizens  etc.  The

Fund is administered by an Inter-Ministerial Committee with the Ministry of Social Justice and  Empowerment  as  the  Nodal  Ministry  for  administration  of  the  Fund.    Secretary, Ministry  of  Social  Justice  and  Empowerment  is  the  chairperson  of  the  Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Ministries/Departments of Government of India, dealing with the subject matters of senior citizens, have been requested to forward proposals for new and innovative schemes for the welfare of senior citizens.

Rashtriya  Vayoshri  Yojana  (RVY),  a  Central  Sector  Scheme,  is  funded  from  Senior Citizens'  Welfare  Fund.  Under the Scheme of RVY, aids and assistive  living devices are provided  to  senior  citizens  belonging  to  BPL  category  who  suffer  from  age  related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and loco-motor disabilities. The aids and assistive devices viz. walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/crutches, tripods/quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures and spectacles are provided to eligible beneficiaries.

Further, a project for extending financial assistance for procurement of 30 Electric Operated Golf Carts at 8 Airports, proposed by Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been approved under the Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund.

## 8. National Institute of Social Defence (NISD)

The National Institute of Social Defence, an autonomous organization under this Ministry is the  nodal  Training  and  Research  Institute  for  interventions  in  the  area  of  Social  Defence. The  objective  of  the  Institute  is  to  strengthen  and  provide  technical  inputs  to  the  social defence  programmes  of  the  Government of  India  and to  develop  and  train  the  manpower resources  required  in  the  area  of  social  defence.  The  Institute  is  mainly  involved  in conducting training programmes pertaining to care for senior citizens, drug abuse prevention and  other  social  defence  issues  like  beggary,  transgender  etc.  NISD  also  undertakes consultations/seminars on policies and  programmes  in  the  field  of  social  defence  to  anticipate  and  diagnose  social  defence problems and develop programmes for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

## MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## 1. National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), 2011:

National  Programme  for  Health  Care  of  the  Elderly  (NPHCE)  of  Ministry  of  Health  and Family  Welfare,  launched  in  2011,  aims  at  providing  dedicated  health  care  facilities  to the elderly  people  through  State  Public  Health  Delivery  System  at  primary,  secondary  and tertiary  levels,  including  outreach  services.  NPHCE  is  approved  for  implementation  in  418 districts  of  34  States/UTs.  2  National  Centres  of  Ageing  is  under  construction.  8  Regional Geriatric Centres exists and 12 under construction.

## 2. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana:

Under  Rashtriya  Swasthya  Bima  Yojana  (RSBY),  health  insurance  is  extended  to  BPL families. In the current year, 413 lakh BPL families have been covered in 457 districts. As a top-up  to  RSBY,  Senior  Citizens  Health  Insurance  Scheme  (SCHIS)  is  extended  to exclusively cover senior citizens of BPL families.

## 3. Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI):

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India in 2016 to assess health status of the elderly in the country. This is the largest survey of its kind, including survey of more than 60,000 elderly over 25 years plan. This survey will provide scientifically validated data on various issues of the elderly.

## 4. Separate queue:

Provision for separate queues for senior citizens is observed in Hospitals for all purposes.

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## 1. Financial Concessions and Benefits to senior citizens:

Ministry of Finance provides higher Income-tax exemption  for senior citizens  for deposits under  Senior  Citizen  Saving  Scheme;  income-tax  exemption  for  younger  generation  for payment of health insurance premium for parents who are senior citizens.

## 2. Varisht Pension Bima Yojana:

Department of Financial Services implements Varisht Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY)-2003 and 2014, which are social security scheme for senior citizens, intended to give an assured minimum  pension  to  them  based  on  guaranteed  minimum  return  on  the  subscription amount. The pension is intended to give an assured minimum pension based on guaranteed minimum return on the subscription amount. The pension is envisaged until death from the date of subscription or upto 15 years whichever is earlier with payback of the subscription amount on  death  of  the  subscriber  to  the  nominee  or  after  15  years  to  the  subscriber  on surrender  of  policy.  These  Schemes  are  implemented  through  Life  Insurance  Corporation (LIC)  of  India.  As  on  31.03.2016,  a  total  number  of  2,84,699  beneficiaries  and  3,17,991 beneficiaries under being benefitted under VPBY 2003 and 2014 respectively.  A new Scheme, 'Pradhan Mantri Vayovandana Yojana' has been launched in 2017 which will be open for one year. This Scheme is also being implemented through LIC of India.

## MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## 1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):

Under the  Scheme  of  IGNOAPS,  old  age  pension  of  Rs.  200/-  per  month  is  provided  to persons of age group 60-79 years and Rs. 500/- per month to persons of age group 80 years and above. The State Government contributes certain amount over and above the Central assistance. In the current year, approx. 200 lakh senior citizens have been its beneficiaries.

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## 1. Annapurna Scheme:

Department  of  Food  and  Public  Distribution  allocates  food  grains  as  per  requirements projected by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Annapurna Scheme, wherein  indigent Senior Citizens, who are not getting pension under IGNOAPS, are provided 10 kg of food grains per person per month free of cost.

## 2. Antyodaya Anna Yojana:

Department of Food and Public Distribution implements Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), under which rice and wheat at a highly subsidised cost,   is   extended to households, headed by  widows/terminally ill/disabled persons/senior citizens, with no  assured means  of maintenance or societal support.

## MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

## 1. Financial Assistance to handicrafts awardee artisans above 60 years of age:

Ministry of Textiles has a Scheme under which a monthly support of Rs. 3,500/- per month is given to such handicrafts awardee artisans above 60 years of age and have an annual income of less than Rs. 50,000/-.

## DEPARTMENT OF  PENSION & PENSIONERS' WELFARE

## 1. Retirement Benefits for retired Central Government employees:

Department of  Pension & Pensioners' Welfare monitors and ensures that the retiring Central Government employees are granted retirement benefits including pension, so that they can live an active and dignified life after retirement.

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## 1. Advisories issued to ensure Individual Safety and Security:

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued two detailed advisories dated 27-3-2008 and 30-82013 to all States Governments/UTs advising them to take immediate measures to ensure safety and security and for elimination of all forms of neglect, abuse and violence against old  persons  through  initiatives  such  as  identification  of  senior  citizens,  sensitization  of police personnel regarding safety, security of older persons, regular visit of the beat staff; setting  up  of  toll  free  senior  citizen  helpline;  setting  up  of  senior  citizen  security  cell; verification of domestic helps, drivers etc.

## DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## 1. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan:

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) of Ministry of Social Justice  and  Empowerment  launched  the  Accessible  India  Campaign  (Sugamya  Bharat Abhiyan)  in  2015  as  a  nation-wide  Campaign  for  achieving  universal  accessibility  for Persons  with  Disabilities  (PwDs).  Sugamya  Bharat  Abhiyan  (Accessible  India  Campaign) aims  to  enable  persons  with  disabilities  to  gain  universal  access,  equal  opportunity  for development, independent  living and participation  in  an  inclusive  society  in  all  aspects  of life.  This  includes  creation  of  elder  friendly  barrier  free  environment  in  buildings,  public toilets, buses, bus-stands, airports and other public places to create age-friendly cities.

## MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

## 1. Standards for Barrier-free Environment:

The  Ministry  of  Urban  Development  has  issued  'Harmonised  Guidelines  and  Space Standards  for  Barrier-Free  Built  Environment  for  persons  with  Disability  and  Elderly Persons' in 2016.  These Guidelines intend to address the needs of persons with disabilities and  elderly  persons  with  a  wide  range  of  accessibility  elements  and  standards  and  not limited  to  disabilities  only,  thus  paving  the  way  for  universally  accessible  and  inclusive India.    Further,  under  Urban  Bus  Specification-II  issued  in  2013,  the  emphasis  on  buses financed by the Ministry of Urban Development is on procurement of low floor buses with proper  ramps  for  easy  access  of  the  passengers  and  proper  space  for  wheel  chair  to  be placed in the bus for the benefit of disabled persons and senior citizens.

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

## 1. Allotment of Ground Floor Dwelling Unit:

Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has launched 'Housing for All (Urban) Mission,  Pradhan  Mantri  Awas  Yojana'  in  2015.  The  Mission  Guidelines  have  been circulated to State/UTs to meet the demand of housing in their States/UTs, specifying that preference in allotment of dwelling units may be given to senior citizens and while making the allotment, the families with senior citizens may be allotted house preferably on ground floor or lower floors.

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## 1. Reservation of seats and concession in fare:

-  As per rules,  male  Senior  Citizens  of  minimum  60  years  and  lady  Senior  Citizens  of minimum  58  years  are  granted  concession  in  the  basic  fares  of  all  classes  of Mail/Express/Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan  Shatbdi/Duronto  group  of  trains.  The  element  of concession is 40% for men and 50% for women. No proof of age is required at the time of purchasing tickets.  However, they are required to carry some documentary proof as

prescribed showing their age or date of birth and have to produce it if demanded by onboard  ticket  checking  staff.    Senior  Citizens  can  book  reserve  tickets  across  the reservation counters as well as through internet.

-  In the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS), there is a provision to allot lower berths to Senior Citizens, Female passengers of 45 years and above automatically, even  if  no  choice  is  given,  subject to  availability  of  accommodation  at the time of booking.
-  In all trains having reserved accommodation, a combined quota of two lower births per coach has been earmarked in sleeper, A/C 3 tier and A/C 2 tier classes for the Senior Citizens, Female passengers aged 45 years above and pregnant women when travelling alone.
-  Accommodation  is  also  earmarked  for  Senior  Citizens  during  specified  hours  on suburban sections by Central and Western Railways.
-  Instructions  exist  for  provisions  of  wheel  chairs  at  stations.   This  facility  is  provided, duly escorted by coolies on payment as per present practice.  Moreover, Zonal Railways have also been advised to provide free of cost 'Battery Operated Vehicles for Disabled and Old Aged passengers' at Railway Stations.
-  After departure of the train, if there are vacant lower berths available in the train and if any physically handicapped person booked on the authority of handicapped concession or a senior citizen, who has been allotted upper/middle berth, approaches for allotment of vacant lower berths, the on-board Ticket Checking Staff has been authorised to allot the vacant lower berth to them making necessary entries in the chart.

## 2. Separate queues for senior citizens:

Separate counters are earmarked at various Passengers  Reservation System (PRS) centres for dealing with the reservation requisitions received from physically handicapped persons, senior citizens, ex-MPS, MLAs accredited journalists and freedom fighters, if the average demand per shift not less than 120 tickets. In case there is no justification for earmarking of an exclusive counter for any of these categories of persons including handicapped persons or senior citizens, one or two counters depending upon the total demand are earmarked for dealing with the reservation requests for all these categories of persons.

## 3. Reservation of seats in Metro Rail:

All  metro  rail  projects  implemented/under  implementation  in  the  country  are  having disabled  and  elder  friendly  infrastructure  such  as  proper  ramps/lifts  to  the  stations,  level boarding the alighting of passengers etc. There is a provision of reservation of seats in metro rail coaches for the differently abled persons and senior citizens.

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## 1. Concession of Fare:

-  Airline /airport operator shall ensure provision of automated buggies free of charge for all  senior  citizens,  in  the  terminal  building  to  facilitate  their  access  to  boarding  gates located  beyond  reasonable  walking  distance  at  all  airports  having  annual  aircraft movements of 50,000 or more. This facility may be extended to other needy passengers on demand basis free of charge.
-  Airport operators  shall  provide  small  trolleys  after  security  check  for  carriage  of  hand baggage (permitted as per regulation) up to the boarding gate.
-  Airport operator shall adequately display information regarding availability of automated buggies and small trolleys in the terminal building at prominent locations including dos and don'ts regarding the same. This shall also be published on the website of the airport operator.
-  Further,  Air  India  offers  50%  discount to  senior citizens  on  the  highest  economy  class Basic Fare. The discount is offered to those who have completed 60 years of age on the date of commencement of journey.
-  Senior  citizens  can  also  avail  multi-level  fares  offered  by  Air  India  on  each  sector  for travel  on  domestic  sectors,  starting  from  a  low  level  advance  purchase  fares  which facilitate early selling to the highest one.

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