The Maharashtra Cabinet has proposed a policy to protect and support senior citizens in the State. The policy hopes to protect them from physical and mental harassment and provide support structures. The policy proposes declaring those who do not take care of their aged parents as “defaulters.”
“If the State receives any such complaint from the parents, then the children will be declared defaulters and their names will be publicised,” Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said on Monday. The policy also suggests making old age homes mandatory in new townships. It also suggests building facilities for the aged in government schemes. The policy suggests monitoring existing old age homes as well as granting them government aid. The State also plans to ask private hospitals to provide discounts to senior citizens. The policy envisages asking the police to check the welfare of senior citizens above the age of 70 on a regular basis. It also plans to set up occupational training for the aged to help improve their financial condition.
