PM's initiative on addressing issues related to the elderly

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved the formation of the national council for senior citizens on Wednesday, which would deal with the welfare of the country’s elderly population.

“The Council would advise the Central and State Governments on issues related to welfare of senior citizens and enhancement of their quality of life,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The panel would advice the governments on policies and legislative measures that would ensure physical and financial security of senior citizens, as well as their healthy, independent and productive living.

The Council would be chaired by the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment and will have Minister of State for SJE, senior Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representatives of five State Governments (one each from the North, South, East, West & North Eastern Regions) and one Union Territory by rotation as members.

Also, the panel will have five representatives each from Senior Citizens’ Associations, Pensioners’ Association, NGOs working for Senior Citizens and Experts, and five senior citizens who have distinguished themselves in various fields.

The Council would be anchored in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.