JAMMU: Chairperson, J and K State Social Welfare Board, Dr. Nirmal Gupta, on Sunday said that the present government is conscious of the concerns of the senior citizens and is committed towards providing facilities to this respected section of the society.
Dr. Nirmal, the Chief Guest, was speaking in a panel discussion on the theme ‘Issues and Concerns of Senior Citizens’ organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration, J and K Regional Branch, here.
Dr. Gupta in her address said that the concerns of senior citizens is a grave and serious issue which should catch the attention of whole society.
She informed that the Jammu and Kashmir Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2014 provides enough provisions which are in the interest of senior citizens. However, she called upon the eminent senior citizens of the State to come forward and constitute a confederation that mobilises resources in the interest of the community in addition to seeking support from the government agencies.
The panelists included Dr. C M Seth, (Retd), Member, Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association; Vikram Gour, Patron, Association of Welfare for Senior Citizen, Jammu and Chander Gulhati, a senior citizen of Jammu.
Dr. C M Seth called that the retired State Government employees should get benefits which are at par with the benefits given to the retired Central Government employees. He further stressed that the State Government should develop a mechanism through which the expertise of retired government officials should be utilized.
Chander Gulhati stressed the need for creating a social security system which takes care of the interest of senior citizens by providing them adequate insurance cover and health care facilities. Vikram Gour shared the various provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2014 but said that the government is yet to frame the rules and regulations which ensure the implementation of the Act in spirit.
He said the government itself is indulging in abuse of senior citizens by not providing adequate services and facilities to the senior citizens.
Earlier, V.N Sharma suggested that all the healthy senior citizens should get associated with various NGO’s of the state and contribute in their own capacities.
J.B.S Johar, Honorary Secretary, IIPA was also present during the occasion. Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) conducted the proceedings of the function and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary concluded the proceedings.