THE PLIGHT OF INDIAN SENIOR CITIZENS

According to the census 2001 conducted by registrar general of India,India is the home of 76 million old age people who are suffering from myriad of problems.This figure is expected to reach 300 million by 2030.There is a need for a serious thought on their plights.
These senior citizens are facing problems due to increasing trend of nuclear family,shrinking living space,cultural degradation,loss of community life etc etc.According to our religious texts the age after 60 is fit for "VANPRASTHA" and it is the age of wisdom.But due to cultural encroachment and societal value degradation these old age traditions has been obliviated.As a consequence this strata of our population affected maximum.It requires immediate attention by our policy makers.
Indian parliament has recently passed a legislation which aims at ensuring maintenance to senior citizens and speedier disposal of cases related with it.The various provisions of The maintenance to old age people act 2007 such as provision of appelate tribunal,legal right to get maintenance from children,revoking of gifted property rights from children or relatives,old age home,provision of 3 months imprsonment or Rs 5000/- fine or both etc etc give some hope to this section of the society.
But state can't go away with the act only.It also has to take some responsibilty in this aspect.Indian constitution also in the article 41 gives onus on government to take care of its senior citizens.
Let us hope that this new act will provide some relief to these old and wise people.The childrens and other relatives will also take some sensitive steps to take care of their elders.