The Indian Express     06.08.2013 

BMC nod for senior citizen policy

"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.