The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed in Lok Sabha that a new National Policy is under finalization to replace the National Policy for Older Persons 1999.
The questions were tabled by Shri Ashok Mahadeorao as
(a) whether the Government is taking any steps to protect the rights of senior citizens in the country, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the status of the implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any plan to introduce a new national policy for senior citizens; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and whether any time limit has been fixed in this regard?
The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik responded for question (a) & (b) that The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC) recognises the right of the senior citizens to live a life of dignity. All the States/UTs have notified the MWPSC Act, 2007 and have taken consequential steps like appointment of Maintenance officers, Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals.
For question no. (c) & (d), the Minister replied that Keeping in view the changing demographic pattern, socioeconomic needs of the senior citizens, social value system and advancement in the field of science and technology over the last decade, a new National Policy for Senior Citizens is under finalization to replace the National Policy for Older Persons 1999.
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