(a) whether the Government has formulated or proposed to formulate any national
law for the welfare of senior citizens who do not have any source of income
and are above 60 years;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI D. NAPOLEON)
(a) and (b) The Government has enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act, 2007 in December 2007 which defines `senior Citizen` as any
person being a citizen of India, who has attained the age of sixty years or above.
The Act, inter-alia, makes maintenance of parents/ senior citizens by children/
relatives obligatory and enforceable through tribunals. It also provides for
establishment of old age homes for indigent senior citizens. The Act comes
into force in a State on such date as the State Government may appoint. As
per information available, 23 States and all Union Territories have brought
the Act into force.
(c) Does not arise.