Pune:
Experts on senior citizens' issues and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) strongly recommended the formation of a separate ministry or commission for the elderly at the national conference on 'Active and healthy ageing'.
The three-day conference organised by Janseva Foundation, International Longevity Centre (ILC), International Federation for Ageing (IFA), Yashada and Bharati Vidyapeeth, began in the city on Wednesday.
While secretary general of IFA, Jane Barratt, was the chief guest at the inaugural session, Vanrai president Mohan Dharia chaired the session.
Agreeing to the suggestion, Jane Barratt said while India was set to surpass China's elderly population, it had to show the world its capacity and leadership in providing quality life to the elderly.
"By 2020, India will have the highest elderly population and it does not have time to wait and think about the elderly. We have to start working towards a better life for the aged. India needs to show the world how life can be made happy and meaningful for the aged by incorporating them in the policies of the nation," she said.
Former assistant director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Subhash Salunke, said senior citizens' issues could not be seen in isolation; there has to be an inter-departmental approach to it.
"It cannot be considered an issue related to the social justice department. It has to be a part of government programmes by various departments. For instance, the Rural Health Mission of India, which was implemented at the cost of Rs55,000 crore did not address the problems of the aged in rural areas. A part of this fund could do so much for the neglected elderly population in the rural parts," said Salunke.
He pointed out that implementing agencies at the district level should be strengthened. "At district level there are more opportunities for integrated planning and implementation," Salunke felt.
Mohan Dharia emphasised on better understanding between parents and children and inter-generational bonds so that better care is taken of the elderly in families.
"The aged too need to be more tolerant and caring in order to receive love from their near and dear ones," he added.
President of ILC, Dr Sharadchandra Gokhale, said while there was a need for a ministry or commission for the aged, the government also needed to make adequate budgetary provision and implement national and state policies on senior citizens more effectively.
He expressed concern on the lack of facilities for the elderly in rural areas and suggested that the government set up a welfare fund for the elderly.
On Maharashtra he said, "Although the draft has been submitted to the government, we do not have the state policy as yet. The national policy is notified, but no further efforts have been made to implement it."
The consultation will come up with a Pune Charter at the end of discussions on the concluding day on November 26. It will comprise suggestions and demands for action to be taken by the government, NGOs and society to jointly address the issues and concerns of the senior citizens.
Member of planning commission of India, Narendra Jadhav, will be talking on planning for population ageing in India on November 25. The participants will make suggestions to be included in the planning process.
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