Parliamentary panel recommends counselling services for senior citizens

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has really useful that the proposed modification to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 embody provisions for counselling services. It additionally suggests digital and monetary literacy services for seniors.

In its report on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019 tabled in Parliament on Friday, the committee recommended the Bill for consideration and enactment, whereas giving some suggestions.

The Bill expands the definition of kids underneath the Act to incorporate adopted, step-children, son-in-law and daughter-in-law, making them accountable for upkeep of oldsters or senior citizens. The definition of upkeep itself has been expanded to incorporate housing, security, safety, medical attendance, healthcare and therapy mandatory for main a lifetime of dignity.

The committee really useful that the tribunals underneath the Act be given satisfactory workers, coaching and infrastructure by States.

“The Committee notes that the MWPSC Act, 2007 has prescribed establishment of old age homes in a phased manner, beginning with at least one in each district of the country. However, it is a matter of concern for the Committee that out of more than 700 districts in the country, in only 482 districts senior citizens homes have been established so far under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens. There are still many districts without functional old age homes despite the thirteen years that this Act has been in existence,” the committee’s report stated.

It stated the Bill needs to be modified to incorporate the stipulation {that a} senior citizens care houses shall be arrange in every district.

“Regular counselling for senior citizens contribute significantly towards better physical and mental health and ably guides them to lead a life of dignity during old age. Unfortunately, the Bill does not carry any separate provision for counselling of the elderly,” the committee stated.

It really useful {that a} provision be added to make sure satisfactory counselling amenities can be found in district hospitals.

“The Committee are deeply concerned over the present situation of inadequate awareness of the MWPSC Act, 2007, in the light of adverse findings on awareness by the National Productivity Council in its report. Even the best legislative measures fail to serve their intended purpose without adequate dissemination and awareness among the stakeholders,” the report stated, including that the Social Justice Ministry ought to provide you with a plan for an consciousness marketing campaign.

The committee additionally really useful that the Bill present for ability coaching of senior citizens who need to study new expertise and be impartial.

“At the same time, with a spurt in digitisation in all spheres of life along with a rise in cases of online fraud, it would definitely be better to include provisions for digital and financial literacy under the welfare measures for senior citizens,” the report stated.