August,30,2015: The Social Justice bench comprising of Justices Madan B Lokur and UU Lalit while considering a Public Interest Litigation filed by Advocate Sanjeeb Panigrahi, obsedved,"The National Policy for Older Persons, which envisages support for financial security, health care, shelter, welfare and other needs of older persons, has turned old and outdated. National policy on old age homes is 15 year old. You need to update it. So much has happened since 1999.Revisiting the 1999 NPOP has become necessary in the wake of the enactment of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007."
The PIL highlighted the fact that senior citizens were being deprived of their rights and sought directions to initiate appropriate steps to carry out a survey of old age homes across the country. During the hearing, Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction that the reply filed by the Ministry does not disclosethe steps taken so far for setting up old age homes.
The Supreme Court on Friday, reminded the central Government that National Policy for Older Persons was formulated in the year 199 and it seeks to assure older persons that their concerns are national concerns and they will not live unprotected, ignored or marginalized. Its Policy statement says that its goal is the well-being of older persons. It aims to strengthen their legitimate place in society and help older persons to live the last phase of their life with purpose, dignity and peace.
The Policy visualizes that the State will extend support for financial security, health care, shelter, welfare and other needs of older persons, provide protection against abuse and exploitation, make available opportunities for development of the potential of older persons, seek their participation, and provide services so that they can improve the quality of their lives.
A growing number of persons 60+ in the coming decades will belong to the middle and upper income groups, be economically better off with some degree of financial security, have higher professional and education qualifications, lead an active life in their 60s and even first half of the 70s, the have a positive frame of mind looking for opportunities for a more active, creative and satisfying life.
Well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy, has directed that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right of public assistance in cases of old age. There are other provisions, too, which direct the State to improve the quality of life of its citizens. Right to equality has been guaranteed by the Constitution as a Fundamental Right. These provisions apply equally to older persons. Social security has been made the concurrent responsibility of the Central and State Governments.
The National Policy India framed to assure older persons that their concerns are national concerns and they will not live unprotected, ignored or marginalized. The goal of the National Policy is the well-being of older persons. It aims to strengthen their legitimate place in society and help older persons to live the last phase of their life with purpose, dignity and peace.
The Policy visualizesd that the State will extend support for financial security, health care, shelter, welfare and other needs of older persons, provide protection against abuse and exploitation, make available opportunities for development of the potential of older persons, seek their participation, and provide services so that they can improve the quality of their lives. The Policy is based on some broad principles.
Read related Laws at LatestLaws.in-
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">Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,2007
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">National Policy on Older Persons,1999
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">Delhi Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules,2009
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