Virbhadra bats for elderly

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 17

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said the government was planning to revamp the Integrated Scheme for Older Persons to improve their quality of life by providing them shelter, food and medical care with the help of non-profit organisations.

He presided over a conference organised here by the India Country Office of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and its partner, the Institute of Economic Growth Delhi, and CRRID, Chandigarh, to study the status of elderly.

Virbhadra said Himachal had around 10 per cent population of people aged 60 years and above which was higher than the national average. The World Bank, in its report released, has highlighted the likely increase in ageing population of the state, he added.

“The government is according top priority to the social sector and various schemes are being implemented for their welfare,” he said. He said Himachal Pradesh was the first state to implement the Parents Maintenance Act and later, this Act was implemented by various states.

“As a result of special emphasis being given on the health sector, life expectancy has improved. To provide best and affordable health facilities to the elders, the government has opened geriatric wards in district hospitals and such wards will be started in all districts health Institutions,” said Virbhadra.

He said the Chief Minister Mantri State Health Care Scheme had been launched for citizens above 80 years for treatment. He said financial assistance to the second World War veterans had also enhanced and all due monetary benefits were being given to retired employees of the government.

The Chief Minister hoped that the seminar would help to provide many important details about the state’s elderly, their living arrangements, work status, asset holdings, health condition, knowledge and utilisation of various social security schemes.

He also released a book on “Status of the Elderly in HP” published by the UNFPA. A short film “Isolated Within” made by the UNFPA was also screened.

Earlier, Prof SS Gill, former Director General, CRRID, welcomed the CM. Prof Moneer Alam from the Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, proposed vote of thanks.