The Indian Express 06.08.2013
BMC nod for senior citizen policy
comprehensive policy includes provision of day care, recreation centres
and weekly medical camps.
“The policy is expected to benefit more than 12 lakh senior citizens,” said Vinod Shelar, BJP corporator.
“Although there is no separate allocation of funds for the
implementation of the policy, we will use funds from the existing budget
or divert funds from other areas,” said a senior civic official.
Some benefits included in the policy are dedicated spaces for
senior citizens in large housing complexes, a library with books on
spirituality and health, and ramps and railings at public toilets.
Senior citizens will also be provided specialised healthcare at select
civic hospitals for high blood pressure, diabetes, loss of vision and
other ailments.
Federation of Senior Citizens’ Organisations of Maharashtra
(FESCOM) — responsible for formulating the policy — has welcomed the
move. “Our goal is to achieve benefit policies for seniors all over the
state,” said Anant Gholap, president of FESCOM.
For the first phase, BMC will form a committee which will
implement the various aspects of the policy. It will be headed by Mayor
Sunil Prabhu. The committee will include corporators and members of
FESCOM.
