Senior citizens seek extension of special benefits on 2 Sundays

The Confederation of Senior Citizens’ Association has written to chief minister Sheila Dikshit, asking her to extend the scheme of free entry at Dilli Haat and on HoHo (hop on, hop off) buses for the elderly. The scheme was announced on October 1.

The confederation has asked her to extend it to two Sundays every month. “The confederation would like to request you to allow free entry at Delhi Haat (INA and Pitampura), Garden of Five Senses and also free travelling on HoHo buses at least on two Sundays every month on a regular basis,” the confederation wrote.

 “Most senior citizens could not avail the facilities provided by the state government on October 1 due to lack of awareness,” it wrote.

The government had announced some special schemes for the elderly on October 1, which is observed as the International Day for Older Persons.

These schemes include one-time special recreation grant of Rs 4,000 to all approved recreation centres of senior citizens and free entry to certain places.

“We need to sensitise people about these schemes as there are several older citizens who are not aware that they can avail such facilities,” said J R Gupta, chairperson of the confederation.

According to a recent report by HelpAge India, 31 per cent elders above 60 years in India face disrespect, neglect and verbal abuse from their family members, and the primary abuser are their sons.

The study was conducted in 20 cities with 5,600 respondents.