The Supreme Court has now appointed NGO Helpage India as an amicus in the case to assist the court.
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre on a plea filed by Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on ensuring and protecting the rights of the elderly.
According to the 2011 census, the number of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore (roughly nine per cent of the population). The proportion is projected to increase to 12.4% by 2026. The United Nations projections on old age population in India say that by 2050 the population of the elderly will grow by 326 per cent.
In his petition, Dr Kumar has said the government needs to set up enough old age homes in each district to meet the growing numbers. It is also necessary to ensure the policies in place for the elderly are implemented effectively. The petition also seeks to ensure medical support for senior citizens.
Mr Kumar has said even though a draft national policy on senior citizens has been ready for four years, it has still not be finalised. A report of 2014 by NGO Helpage on elder abuse in India, said at least half of all senior citizens experienced abuse.
The Supreme Court has now appointed NGO Helpage India as an amicus in the case to assist the court and has asked the National Legal Service Authority to inform the court of all the schemes and programmes meant for the elderly.
According to the 2011 census, the number of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore (roughly nine per cent of the population). The proportion is projected to increase to 12.4% by 2026. The United Nations projections on old age population in India say that by 2050 the population of the elderly will grow by 326 per cent.
In his petition, Dr Kumar has said the government needs to set up enough old age homes in each district to meet the growing numbers. It is also necessary to ensure the policies in place for the elderly are implemented effectively. The petition also seeks to ensure medical support for senior citizens.
Mr Kumar has said even though a draft national policy on senior citizens has been ready for four years, it has still not be finalised. A report of 2014 by NGO Helpage on elder abuse in India, said at least half of all senior citizens experienced abuse.
The Supreme Court has now appointed NGO Helpage India as an amicus in the case to assist the court and has asked the National Legal Service Authority to inform the court of all the schemes and programmes meant for the elderly.
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