State govt to name and shame children refusing to care for aged parents

The Social Justice and Special Assistance department has directed the Home department to prepare a list of defaulting children who refuse to take care of their aged parents. The department has directed to give wide publicity to such errant children.

Rajkumar Badole, minister for social justice, announcing the implementation of the state's Senior Citizen Policy2013, stated the eligible age limit criteria for senior citizens has been brought down from 65 to 60 years.

Speaking to the media at Nagpur on Wednesday, Badole said, "In order to sensitize and create awareness amongst the younger generation about their responsibilities towards senior citizens, the School Education department will include a chapter on senior citizens in Moral Values Education syllabus, where children will be taught show respect towards senior citizens, be sympathetic towards them and help senior citizens in need of care and help."

The policy guidelines and concessions to be given to senior citizens will be implemented by Social Justice, Home, Housing, Urban Development, Health, Education, Rural Development and other concerned departments. The Social Justice and Special Assistance department also issued a Government Resolution (GR) on July 9, laying down the details of the Senior Citizens policy and concessions to be given to the senior citizens.

As per the policy guidelines, the local police, assisted by social workers, will draw up a list of senior citizens living all alone in their locality and will be expected to pay monthly visits to the homes of these senior citizens to inquire about their well-being. The core of the policy is to provide financial security, health care and make seniors capable of handling stress and tension. Each of the district headquarters will have dedicated helplines, which will tackle harassment cases related to senior citizens and provide them with emergency help and security.