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Speaking to media persons, Udupi Senior Citizens Association President K Vishwajna Shetty expressed dissatisfaction against State government’s failure to implement the welfare measures for senior citizens.

He said government is offering Rs 400 as monthly pension since many years for senior citizens and the small amount is of little use in these days of price rise of all necessary commodities. The pension amount should be hiked to Rs 1,000. Health insurance should be issued to all aged above 60 years on the model of health scheme “Arogya Sri” of Andhra Pradesh. Free medical facilities should be made available for BPL card holders, he added.

Committees or councils should be set up for the senior citizens at district-level. Senior citizen department needs separate attention and hence it should not be clubbed under Women and Child Welfare Department.

Besides, there is a need for Day Care Centers in every district of the State. Senior citizens should be exempted from income tax.

Besides cases registered under Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act- 2007 should be brought on trail immediately without delay.

There are as many as 12,000 senior citizens in Udupi district, of which only 1,000 are members of the Association. Senior members should come forward to register themselves under the Association, he added.