Agewell Foundation has conducted a symposium-cum-Interactive session on 'Role of Older Persons in Democratic Process’ in series of symposiums on Needs & Rights of older persons. Agewell Foundation is about understanding needs of older persons, advocacy for their rights and sensitizing every one about Old Age.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
Agewell’s Symposium on the
'ROLE OF OLDER PERSONS IN DEMOCRATIC PROCESS’
With spotlight on One-Rank-One-Pension for retired services personnel
New Delhi 26th April 09: Agewell Foundation has conducted a symposium-cum-Interactive session on 'Role of Older Persons in Democratic Process’ in series of symposiums on Needs & Rights of older persons. Agewell Foundation is about understanding needs of older persons, advocacy for their rights and sensitizing every one about Old Age.
A survey conducted by Agewell Foundation in recent past suggests that older persons have an important role in democratic process as they not only constitute largest number of actual voters but also form largest number of elected leadership of the democracy.
However, in spite of all this there are hardly any Pro-Old People policies. One example of insensitiveness towards the older people is the struggle for One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) for retired services personnel. Therefore to illustrate our survey findings we have invited views of ex-servicemen about the need for One-Rank-One-Pension through this symposium.
Present at the symposium were the eminent ex-defence personalities including Lt. Gen. (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chairman, IESM, Vice Admiral Subhash Chopra (Retd.) and Wg. Cdr Praful Bakshi (Retd.) as key speakers.
These series of Symposiums urges everybody to support and take forward Agewell’s initiative of educating the Older persons about their rights & needs and reminding the younger generation, the concerned persons / officials, bodies, institutions amongst others of their duties towards their elders.
Speaking on the symposium, Mr. Himanshu Rath, Chairman, Agewell Foundation, elaborated the concern for the welfare of the elders and highlighted the discrimination against the retired defence personnel by non implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension a long standing demand. He further requested the people in general to create a public opinion & pressure so that the government realizes the fairness of this demand.
Agewell’s Series of Symposiums has been designed to provide an open forum where discussions and debates are initiated to address the problems, difficulties and hurdles faced by the elders of our society pertaining to their special Social, Medical, Legal, Financial & Emotional needs. The symposiums aim to also inform and apprise the senior citizens of their rights & privileges in these fields.
On this occasion, Agewell Foundation has also recommended following suggestions to the policy makers, which are essential for the welfare of the Older Persons;
Establishment of a National Institute for Aged on the lines of AIIMS for treatment and research in age related ailments.
Setting up of separate department of geriatrics on similar lines in each of the existing/proposed AIIMS.
Setting up of National Fund for the Aged (on the lines of National Fund for Rural Development).
Issue of special identity cum credit cards for the Older Persons (credit could be linked to the amount deposited or pension dues.)
Setting up of National Commission for the Aged. (on the lines of NHRC to advice various ministries/departments on Older Persons friendly programmes and policies and protect the interest of the aged)
Prime Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme for the aged
Setting up of a National Institute for Promotion of Entrepreneurship amongst the Aged.
Setting up of Foundation for revitalization of traditions and oral knowledge.
Enactment of Older Persons’ Justice Act.
A scheme for establishing Aged women’s Hostel on the lines of working women Hostels in each district.
Arrangement for Temporary shelters for the aged in each district.
For further Information about the initiatives of Agewell Foundation, please visit its website: www.agewellfoundation.org
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