SC Orders States and UTs to Submit Information on Elderly Welfare Schemes
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Oct. The Supreme Court has ordered all state governments and union territories to bring on record information on existing welfare schemes for the elderly, including pensions, old age homes in each district, and the level of geriatric care.
According to a bench of Justices Anirudhha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia, “Heard Dr.Ashwani Kumar in person and also senior advocate(s)/advocate(s) for the other appearing parties. We direct that schemes operating for the welfare of the elderly with respect to (i) pension for the elderly, (ii) old age homes in each district and (iii) level of geriatric care, ought to be produced before us.”
The order came in response to a petition filed by former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar seeking a directive to establish old age homes with basic healthcare facilities across the country.
The bench added, “Let the respective states and Union Territories furnish the information on their existing schemes on the aforesaid three heads to the advocate-on-record of the Union of India. After collecting information from all the respective states and the Union Territories within a period of two months. A revised status report shall be filed one month thereafter by the Union of India.”
The Supreme Court stated that the state governments’ report should provide details on the current status of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
“The revised report of the States shall also disclose the present status as regards implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,” it said.
The matter will be heard again in January of next year, according to the Supreme Court.
The court said, “Let copies of this order be sent by the Registry to the Chief Secretary of each State and the Union Territories for onward compliance of the directions contained in this order.”
Kumar had asked for guidance on how to effectively implement the 2007 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
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