Question : CONDITION OF SENIOR CITIZENS

(a) whether the Government is aware that a large number of senior citizens are deserted by their children and relatives in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government has taken any action against the said perpetrators and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has initiated any rehabilitation programme for such senior citizens; and

(f) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?

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

(a) and (b): The Government is aware that there are instances of senior citizens being deserted by their children and relatives. However, no authentic data is available in this regard. The Government has enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 which inter-alia makes maintenance of parents/senior citizens by their children/relatives obligatory and justiciable through Tribunals; provides for revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of neglect by children/ relatives; penal provisions for abandonment of senior citizens, medical facilities for senior citizens; and protection of life and property of senior Citizens.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued two detailed advisories dated 27.3.2008 and 30.82013 to all State 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.

(c) This Ministry has not conducted any such study.

(d) to (f) The Ministry has been pursuing the matter of effective implementation of the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, under which penal action could be initiated against the offenders. Under the Central Sector Scheme of Integrated Progarmme for Older Persons (IPOP), financial assistance is provided by the Ministry to eligible Panchayati Raj Institutions/ Non Governmental/ Voluntary Organisations for maintenance of old age homes, respite care homes, day care centres etc. including, inter-alia, programmes catering to the basic needs of older persons particularly food, shelter and health care to the destitute elderly.