PANAJI
A group of activists staged a dharna at the Azad Maidan in Panaji to demand the implementation of the Senior Citizen Act 2007, to enable senior citizens get justice in time.
Later speaking to reporters, activist Rajan Ghate demanded that the State government immediately set up a Counselling Cell for arbitration and counselling between parents and children.
“There should be two dedicated cells for senior citizens in two districts,” demanded Ghate.
Handling of cases regarding Senior Citizens Act should be taught in the syllabus at the Valpoi Police Training Centre, he added.
Ghat claimed that as per the Senior Citizen Act, the police department should have a list of senior citizens in its jurisdiction but police stations do not maintain such data.
“The police should also make regular visits to senior citizens residing alone in their houses,” he said.
He also stated that a Senior Citizen’s Commission be setup and headed by a retired judge.
Ghate also appealed that a 50 per cent concession be given to senior citizens on interstate routes of the KTC buses.
“The government should setup a “half-way home” for bedridden senior citizens so that any child can leave the State for some work and in the meantime, the “half way home” can offer shelter and treatment to the senior citizens,” he added.
Ghate also demanded that the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) amount be increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.
