V Mohini Giri Committee submitted Draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens

A five-member high-powered committee, led by Dr V Mohini Giri on 14 February 2011 submitted final draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 to the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The committee recommended that recipients of national honours like Padma awards or gallantry awards in the armed forces or national recognition for arts and culture must be given lifelong healthcare facilities for free on the lines of Central Government Health Services. The draft was also sent to the Union Ministry of Health which is working to put in place a National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly.

The National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011calls for the setting up of a department of senior citizens and also a National Council for Senior Citizens. According to the policy employment in income generating activities after superannuation will be encouraged. States will be responsible for setting up homes with assisted living facilities for abandoned senior citizens in every district.

The policy says old-age pension scheme for those living below the poverty line would be expanded to cover all senior citizens. Rates of monthly pension will be increased to Rs 1000 per person and revised at intervals to prevent its deflation.

Covering the oldest under the National Old Age Assistance which would provide additional grants in case of disability and loss of adult children was also suggested.