The Goa Police have come up with a new helpline scheme for the safety of elderly citizens who live alone, on the eve of Christmas.
The Senior Citizens dedicated toll free helpline N0. 1090 was inaugurated by Chief Minister Laximikant Parsekar on Wednesday at the police headquarters in Panaji.
Complimenting the Goa Police, the Chief Minister said that the increasing tendency towards nucleus families is leading to violation of the human rights of senior citizens who end up living a lonely life, which in turn has a negative impact on their emotional and physical well being.
Protection to elders
Goa being home to many pensioners whose sons and daughters live abroad,some of these citizens live alone without security. It was felt that they must get protection against crimes so that they spend their life safely.
As per the scheme, the police would identify senior citizens staying alone as well as elderly couples and make arrangements for their protection, including visits by beat police, said Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg.
On this occasion, the existence of an Act called Maintenance Welfare Of Parents And Senior Citizens Act was brought to the notice of senior citizens and they were urged to make complaints if their relatives harassed them or did not provide for their maintenance.
Goa Police have registered two cases under this Act so far. Legal action was taken against the son of the complainant in these cases, said Mr. Garg.
