New Delhi, Aug 3 (UNI) The government is formulating a new National Policy for Senior Citizens to replace the National Policy for Older Persons 1999, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhoumik said on Tuesday.
The existing National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in 1999 to reaffirm the government's commitment to ensure the wellbeing of the older persons.
Bhoumik in a written reply in the lower house of Parliament said a new National Policy for Senior Citizens is "under finalisation" keeping in view the changing demographic pattern, socioeconomic needs of senior citizens, social value system and advancement in the field of science and technology over the last decade.
As per the 2011 census, the 60+ population accounted for 8.6 per cent of the country's population, accounting for 103 million elderly people.
Growing at around 3 per cent annually, the number will rise to 319 million in 2050.
In 2007, the government had announced the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC), recognising the right of the senior citizens to live a life of dignity.
The Act provides for financial security to the parents and senior citizens and can award maintenance to the parents if they are not properly cared for.
The Act also has provision of punishment with imprisonment upto three months or fine of up to Rs 5000 or both for children or relatives, who abandon senior citizens.
All the States/UTs have notified the MWPSC Act, 2007 and taken steps like appointment of Maintenance officers, Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals.
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