Question : WELFARE SCHEMES FOR THE AGED PERSONS



(a) the schemes formulated for welfare of aged persons in the country;

(b) the amount allocated by the Government for these schemes, scheme-wise during the last three years; and

(c) the number of the aged persons benefited under these schemes?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT(DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA)

(a) The Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment provides Grant-in aid/financial assistance to Non-Governmental Organisations for establishment and maintenance of Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, Mobile Medicare Units and Non-Institutional Service Centres under the Plan Scheme i.e. `An Integrated Programme for Older Persons`.

Similarly the Grant-in-aid is provided to eligible organizations for construction of Old Age Home and Multi Service centres for older persons under the Non-Plan scheme i.e. `Scheme of Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions/Voluntary Organisations/Self Help Groups for Construction of Old Age Homes/Multi Service Centres for Older Persons`.

(b) The financial assistance given to the organizations, under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons during 1998-99, 1999-2000 & 2000-01 is Rs. 7.75 crores, Rs. 10.91 crores & Rs. 12.39 crores respectively.

The financial assistance given to the organization under the Scheme of Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions/Voluntary Organisations/Self Help Groups during 1998-99, 1999-2000 & 2000-01 is Rs. 1.55 crores, Rs. 2.36 crores & Rs. 0.78 crores respectively.

(c) The total numbers of beneficiaries are approximately 60,000 persons.