PANAJI
Speaking on the last day of the All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON), delegates from other State federations pointed to the differing values of pensions received praising the State for having the highest amount received by the community.
“Pension received in different States differ in the country. In Bihar, we get around `200. Here in Goa they get `2,000. This is a ten times difference. We need to bridge this gap. There is a need to fight for the cause since we don’t even have our federation set up,” said one delegate from the Bihar Senior Citizens Forum.
Other issues raised during the two-day conference include security provided for the elderly and the need for care giving during the last years of their lives. Many pointed to the sensitisation of family members to the condition including physical and mental health.
Here in Goa too, while the pension amount may seem relatively high, the community faces other issues. Speaking on behalf of the Goa Forum for Senior Citizens, Diago D’Costa said the Association had repeatedly asked the government Continued from P3
to consider subsidies and discounts on bills and taxes.
“As part of our action plan, we want the State government to give senior citizens a relaxation on house taxes. Most of the house tax payments are not less than Rs 1,000 and it becomes difficult to pay with a limited income. Also we have asked that the government give a 20 per cent discount on the water and electricity bills. We have also asked BSNL to waive costs for the elderly,” said D’Costa.
Other problems raised by the Goa chapter included the appointing of a member of the social work section to man the administrative tribunal under the Maintenance Act.
