6CPC : Justice denied

I have here, an article by Sri. R. Sundaram, appeared in the Hindu-Business Line, sometime back. This is taken from their site :
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/17/stories/2007021700370800.htm

"
Les Miserables

Among the middle-class senior citizens there are three kinds of retirees. Those who retired from government service or organisations with similar terminal benefits, those who retired with provident funds to which the employers also contributed, and those without either of these advantages. The latter two quite often envy, mostly without malice, the good fortune of government pensioners, as these worthies enjoy a steadily rising compensation long after they have stopped working.
They wonder aloud how former government servants sometimes get pensions far higher than their emoluments at retirement. The envious can relax now. The good days seem to be over for previous generations of government employees. Recent decisions from the highest in the government and judicial forums have succeeded in eroding the confidence of senior government pensioners.
Now they may feel wretched at not having had the foresight to build a sizeable nest-egg by hook or by crook, needing to depend, instead, on the steady income from guaranteed parity of pension with juniors, particularly after the judgment in D.S. Nakara vs Union of India.
This landmark judgement established unmistakably the principle of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution between those who retired before and on, or after the effective date of implementation of the Pay Commission's recommendations.
It may be recalled that the Supreme Court observed in the Nakara case that "pension is neither a bounty, nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet will of the employer, nor an ex-gratia payment. It is a payment for the past services rendered. It is a social welfare measure rendering socio-economic justice to those who in the heyday of their life ceaselessly toiled for the employer on an assurance that in their old age they would not be left in the lurch."
However, in a 2005 judgment on equal treatment in the matter of Death-Cum-Retirement Gratuity for those who retired before and after January 1, 1996, the same court observed that: "We are afraid that the refrain of D. S. Nakara (supra) has been played too often to retain its initial charm, which has been worn thin by subsequent dicta".
The unexceptionable principal of the Nakara case was that there should not be two classes of pensioners who retired from the same post by drawing a cut-off line and granting the revised higher benefits to those who retired on or after the cut-off date. It appears that the judiciary, nudged by the establishment, has during the last few years been able to chip away at the security edifice built carefully during the 1980s.
In a recent judgment relating to the case of those who retired from important field posts in the Railways, this principle has been negated by contending that the principle established in the Nakara case need "not be interpreted to mean that emoluments of persons who retired before a notified date holding the same status must be treated to be the same". Not only is a `class within a class' thus sought to be created, the pre-1996 retirees, who are all above 70, are left with a sense of great hurt and deprivation, if not betrayal.
Perversely though, retirees in their sixties today may be having a good night's rest now, but they too will join the ranks of Les Miserables with the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, which is now a work in progress.

R. Sundaram

"
I am sure, even after 6CPC implementation, the discrimination is not resolved. The gap widens in more than one dimensions. Not alone in financial terms, but also in social terms. Creating classes (by discriminatory practices by the authorities) is certainly not justifiable.
The discrimination is not alone in pension, but also in the retirement benefits. I had pointed out in my earlier posts that, a person retiring on 1 Jan 2006 gets much higher retirement benefits than his colleague (on equal position and pay) who retires on 31 Dec 2005. This is certainly not justice. Both of them burnt their life in service equally.

Care Homes - LIC Housing Finance

Today's Economic Times carries an article on "LIC Housing Finance to launch CARE HOMES for aged".
Let me give an abstract of the article, for you.

"LIC Housing Finance has come out with a novel scheme pan-India of providing community dwelling units to benefit the aged, as a part of its social responsibility initiative.
They would build 90-100 dwelling units on a 5-7 acre complex called "Care Homes". This would house a gym, walking track, a library, a community centre, kitchen, and medical facilities. The care homes with independent dwelling units and centres for recreation and interaction, would provide community living to the aged. Here, individuals can live in a congenial environment with like-minded people of their age-group. It's an investment which gives one a security post-retirement. There would be a monthly charge for the services/ facilities offered, in addition to a monthly fixed charge for the facilities provided.
each dwelling unit would cost around Rs. 7-8 lakhs. Minimum age for taking a care home is 50 years.
The first one of this kind had already been realised in Bangalore. Plans are on to open more at Jaipur and Bhuvaneswar, for which land is already acquired. Plans are also on for care homes at other places too.
"

A ray of hope for the needy !

You may visit http://www.lichousing.com/ for more details.

BSNL Broadband : Discount for retired employees

Good news ! BSNL does it !!

BSNL has announced a 20% discount on usage and rental charges on BSNL Broadband connections. This is offered to the serving and retired employees (State and Central Government, and PSUs ).
For the retired persons, he/she has to furnish an attested copy of the pension pay order, along with the application for the connection.

I am sure, all senior citizens would take advantage of this offer.
Go over the web, you'll get a whole new life there ! BSNL helps you gain another new life !!

6CPC : Discreminatory treatment by Government

Today, I've here a short text which I (on my personal behalf ) continue to communicate to the media, and individuals. If you have any comments, kindly communicate to me at : iscf.tvm@gmail.com

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6CPC and pre-2006 retirees

The Sixth Central Pay Commission has been very cruel to the pre-2006 retirees, while being very generous to the Central Government Employees and retirees (post 2005).

The retirement benefits (pension commutation, leave salary, and gratuity) given to a retiring employee is meant to build a ‘retired life’ for him and his family. The pension provides for the maintenance of his and his family’s for the rest of the life. These benefits are awarded for spending all the retiree’s life serving the Government and society. In fact, this is a contractual obligation on the part of the society and government, as a return for his service during his lifetime.

The 6CPC, has certainly looked at this and have accordingly raised the terminal benefits and pension, of all categories of retirees. However, the treatment has not been fair, equal, and or logical. Unfortunately, the 6CPC and the Government made a huge division among the employees, on the basis of a ‘date’. The date is only an administrative (technical) one only. It’s no way justifiable. This is injustice.

I have retired in the month of December 2005, after spending 33 years of my life, serving the Nation. The 6CPC and now the Government treats me bad, as far as the retirement benefits and pension are concerned.

The 6CPC guidelines specify that I am not qualified for the revised retirement benefits as announced by them, on the reason that I retired in pre-2006. I am eligible only for a small increase in my monthly pension, on the principle of ‘one rank one pension’.

The injustice in treating the pre-2006 retirees would be evident from the following example.

The retirement benefits of two persons of the same position, service and pay ( one retired in Dec 2005 and the other on Jan 2006) are different to a very great an uncomparable extend. My colleague who retired in Jan 2006 got 10 Lakhs as his gratuity, while I got (retired in Dec 2006) a mere 3.5 Lakhs. The difference is too large for all other elements (the pension, pension commutation, and leave salary payment). This is certainly injustice. This should be almost equal ( atleast comparable) in the amount of terminal benefits and subsequent monthly pension. That’s natural justice, I believe.

Had I retired on the next day, 1 January 2006, things would have been very different. I would have got the new terms of retirement, which is far higher than those applicable for 31 December 2005. A day makes so much of difference. The difference is so large that I feel very miserable, when I think of this ONE DAY. This day, 31 December 2005, is so dreaded for me now ! Everyone who retired around that period – in 2005 - feel so bad, just over a few day’s or week’s difference.

6CPC and the Government has not looked at the implementation in this angle. This is very cruel and injustice. The Government should take immediate steps to normalize this huge disparity caused by that milestone day. Please remember that this day is only just a technical one and nothing (cost of living or anything else ) have changed on this day. The improved retirement benefits and pension should be applicable to all those retired earlier too (pre 2006). The applicability of the benefits may be made in a reasonable and justifiable formula. A tapering formula (eg. 10% less for every year preceding 2006 ) may be reasonable. eg. For persons retired in 2005, the benefits may be 90% of what a person retiring on Jan 2006 gets. This would bring in justice to those unfortunate pre-2006 pensioners.

I request ALL to project this issue to the public and the Governmrnt, for settlement of this injustice, and do a normalization of terminal benefits and pension among all employees and pensioners. When “One rank one Pension” is the right norm, similar should be the treatment on all other benefits too. The technicality of ‘the day’ should not be a block for implementing justice to all employees. Normalisation of all kinds of benefits, in a reasonable and justifiable format, should be immediately taken up by the Government.

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The great divide and Injustice

The great divide and the denial of justice.
Our society gets divided on many forms and accounts. The poor and the rich, the literate and the illiterate, abled and the disabled, … and the list of ‘divide’ is very long. Divisions of all sorts. There is a continuous effort by our ‘masters of the society” to eradicate such divides, and bring in equality and justice. While many such divisions are still prevalent in our society, divisions of many more are being created. New divisions happen (or created) on many frontiers of our society and life. New cases of “ ‘have’s and ‘have not’s “ are still being created (not just happens).
One such division, recently created, is among the Central Govt employees and the pensioners. The Sixth Central Pay Commission ( headed by Justice Sreekrishna) is the creator of this divide. The Government, however, has vetted the division. However, this not being a 'major issue' for the politicians, has not surfaced out appropriately.

The division, concerning the Central Govt employees (both present and former), is not affecting the present employees (gainers), but affects the former employees (pensioners) who are the losers. This divide is certainly a painful one for the pensioners, a very small fraction of our society.
Though the present employees are ‘over-joyed’ over the 6CPC recommendations and its implementation (with more icing by the Government ), some of the pensioners are very sad about it (although there is an increase in the monthly pension). The reason for this divide is a discrimination towards the pensioners, based on a date.

1 January 2006, the effective date of implementation of the 6CPC recommendations, is the unfortunate day for many of the pensioners. The division is among employees retired on or before 31-12-2005 and the employees retired or serving on or after 1-1-2006. The midnight on 31 Dec 2005 is the “Berlin wall” for these two “Classes of employees”. Retirees on or before 31-12-2005 are the have-nots, while all others are haves.
In one of my earlier posts, I brought an example of the division. To remind you of the ‘great difference’, look at the following. There’s many unjustifiable differences, and I am quoting only just one among them

A person retiring on 31-12-2005 gets an amount of 3.5 Lakhs (max) as the Gratuity. But, a person retiring on the next day (ie. 1-1-2006) walks away happily with 10 Lakhs. I am sure that the 6CPC and the Govt authorities understand very well that the amount of Gratuity is a lumpsum amount paid to the retired person (as a gratitude !) for making a settlement/ base for his retired (old age) life. Thanks to our system, for giving a monthly pension for the maintenance of the retired’s old age life (though inadequate to maintain the life standards ). The person leaving on 31-12-2005 settles his life with 3.5, and the other person leaving after the midnight of that day settles with 10 Lakhs. The difference is 3 times ! This is certainly a great divide and is not justifiable.

Central Govt rules stipulate (that’s what I understand) that a Commission be appointed for review of the pay and related aspects of the Central Govt employees, once in 10 years. Since the 5th PC recommendations were made effective on 1-1-1996, the 6CPC made 1-1-2006 as its “effective date” for implementation. That’s fine, but that’s not meant to be the base for a justifiable structure of pay and related matters. Cost of living or any other economic parameter did not jump 3 times on that ‘sacred’ day.
A revision of pay structure (as seen now) can be created by any babu at the Central secretariat. But, that’s not what was expected of the Commission, its Chairman, and the Govt. The Commission was expected to consider the issue and requirements in its global nature and on a 360deg perspective. Had it been on such an angle, a more equitable and justifiable outcome would have come. I think, the Commission had an easy task, by taking it too easy. Was the objective of the task only to frame new scales of pay for the present employees ? Only to make them happy ? Or to compute on a multiplication factor to compute a slightly higher Pension?

On the implementation front, the Govt authorities haven’t put their mind into the social implications of implementing such recommendations. Probably, they did only a mathematical exercise to compute the total financial burden on the national exchequer.
6CPC and the Govt authorities, I wish, should have had a more logical look at the social aspects of the implementation of the 6CPC recommendations.

What I am pointing out here is only an element of the discriminatory nature of the 6PC aspects. Many more things are in the field. This is evident from the fact that our Armed Forces have NOT accepted the implementation of these recommendations. This too reinforces the fact that Justice Sreekrishna did not do justice to many. This includes our Armed Forces and the poor pensioners.

In my view, the above ‘sacred day’ – 1 Jan 2006 – has no relevance at all. It did the division, and that’s all. This is not justifiable. Why should all the things be applicable from this sacred day only ? What’s wrong if it had a backward date and applicability. This doesn’t mean that I am suggesting for my convenient date for applicability/ implementation. Let the date of implementation be 1 Jan 2006. But it’s applicability, in a proper format, be made applicable in an equitable format for all. To suggest an example, in the case of the Gratuity, let a formula be made with backward applicability (for the last 10 years). Let the pensioners (before 1-1-06) get a modified Gratuity = 10 lakhs minus ((2006 minus year of retirement) X 10% of 10 lakhs). {This is backwardly tapering down at 10% per year, for 10 years }. Though this would be a very late payment, it would bring in some relief to all. In the case of Commutation of pension too, there’s a big discrimination. That too should be appropriately worked out (on such a tapering backward principle) and justified.
I agree that there would be an additional load on the Govt budget, but that's too small for the Govt to bear. Remember, the Govt could easily write off 75,000 crores towards the agricultural loans (which in fact did not reach the real suffering farmers ). Many more crores have been pumped recently into the stock market system, in an effort to save a minor fraction of our population. The additional burden that would bring in by implementing a backward tapering formula, for the pensioners, is not a burden at all, for the Govt. In fact that would be a case of justice done.
My attempt here is not to say that 6CPC and the Govt did all bad and lunders. They did excellent work and recommendations on many aspects. To cite an example, Govt implemented the ‘One Rank One Pension” principle. By the way, this is an excellent case of doing some justice to all the pensioners.

My attempt here is to invite the attention of ALL related personnel and the Govt to relook into the ‘unjustified’ aspects of this issue.

Will someone put their thoughts on this ? I hope some one does.. the authorities.. the guards of our society …. . and resolve the unjustifiable divisions.

May God Bless all.

Unfortunate pensioners - just over a day's difference

What happened on 31 December 2005 ? Yeah.. something very important has happened. 1 January 2006 was all the way different from its previous day... Atleast for all Central Government employees.

Being an employee on 1 Jan 2006 makes a lot of difference from having been an employee on or before 31 Dec 2005 ( and not being an employee on 1Jan 2006).

Let me put here, my personal views, on the 'injustice' implemented by our Government.

"

The Sixth Central Pay Commission has been so generous to the Central Government Employees. But, equally too, they are so cruel to some of the pensioners.

The retirement benefits ( the amount of money, lumpsum) given to a retiring employee is meant to build a ‘retired life’ for him and his family. The pension is for the maintenance of his and his family’s life. These are the benefits obtained for burning their lives (the whole life) for the Government (society).

An employee retired on 31 December 2005 is not qualified for the retirement benefits as announced by 6CPC (although there is a very small increase in the monthly pension, on the principle of ‘one rank one pension’). Had he retired on the next day, 1 January 2006, things would have been very different. He would have got the new terms of retirement, which is far higher than those applicable for 31 December 2005. A day makes so much of difference. The difference is so large that he feels very miserable, when he think of this ONE DAY. People who retired around that period – in 2005- feel so bad, miserable and dejected; just over a few day’s or week’s difference.

The retirement benefits of two persons of the same position and pay ( one retired on 31Dec 2005 and the other on 1Jan 2006) should be almost equal ( atleast comparable in the amount of terminal benefits and subsequent monthly pension). That’s natural justice, I believe. To give an example, when my 010106 friend got 10 lakhs as his gratuity, another one (311205) got just 3.5. This is certainly not fair. It’s not justice.

But the 6CPC and the Government has not looked at the implementation in this angle. This is cruel and injustice. I strongly feel that the Government should normalize this huge difference caused by that milestone day. The improved retirement benefits and pension should be applicable to those retired earlier too (pre 2006). The applicability of the benefits may be made in a tapering method. May be, 10% less for every year preceding 2006 (eg. For persons retired in 2005, the terminal benefits may be 90% of what a person retiring on 1Jan 2006 gets). This would atleast bring in some justice to those unfortunate ones.The financial load on the Government by implementing such a justice would not be very high.

I wish, our Government would consider the plight of the retired people, and do a normalization of terminal benefits and pension.

"

For a fair deal

For a fair deal.
Kerala Senior Citizens’ Forum organized a demonstration before the Secretariat on Thursday demanding speedy implementation of the ‘Policy for the aged’ announced by the Government.

Politics and Retired

'Retired Civil Servants should not join Political parties.'

Do you plan to enter poilitics ? If yes, then here is a report of importance to you.

Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami has favoured prohibiting civil servants from joining political parties for atleast five after resignation or retirement from service.

ISRO and Chandrayaan

Congratulations ISRO ! Well done ! Keep it up !!!

Vitamin D

A research group in the US have recommended the need for a higher dose of Vitamin D. According to the study, there is an evidence that it may help prevent serious diseases. However, they have not concluded on the amount of units to be consumed. However, an earlier specification recommends 400 units for the adults in the 50-70 age group, and 600 units for those above 70.

The potential benefits from Vitamin D are : Keeping bones stronger, Reduces risks of cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.

So, make sure you get your required dose of Vitamin D daily. You’ll get this from sources : Sunlight, Fatty (oily) fishes, Fish oil, Egg, ..

The following quote from Wikipeadia would be useful.

“Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble prohormones, the two major forms of which are vitamin D₂ (or ergocalciferol) and vitamin D₃ (or cholecalciferol).^[1] The term vitamin D also refers to metabolites and other analogues of these substances. Vitamin D₃ is produced in skin exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B radiation.

Vitamin D plays an important role in the maintenance of organ systems.^[2]

• Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood by promoting their absorption from food in the intestines, and by promoting re-absorption of calcium in the kidneys, which enables normal mineralization of bone and prevents hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts.^[3][4].
• Absent vitamin K or with drugs (particularly blood thinners) which interfere with Vitamin K metabolism, Vitamin D can promote soft tissue calcification.^[5]
• It inhibits parathyroid hormone secretion from the parathyroid gland.
• Vitamin D affects the immune system by promoting phagocytosis, anti-tumor activity, and immunomodulatory functions.

Vitamin D deficiency can result from inadequate intake coupled with inadequate sunlight exposure, disorders that limit its absorption, conditions that impair conversion of vitamin D into active metabolites, such as liver or kidney disorders, or, rarely, by a number of hereditary disorders.^[2] Deficiency results in impaired bone mineralization, and leads to bone softening diseases, rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, and possibly contributes to osteoporosis.

Vitamin D regulates the expression of genes associated with cancers and autoimmune disease by controlling the activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a type 1 nuclear receptor and DNA transcription factor.^[6] Research has indicated that vitamin D deficiency is linked to colon cancer and more recently, to breast cancer.^[7] Conflicting evidence links vitamin D deficiency to other forms of cancer.

“

Housing for the Senior Citizens : Old age homes

Cool, peaceful, retired life ! That's what you wish for ?



May I invite your attention to an article in “The Hindu (supplement - Property Plus) “ dated 11 Oct 2008. The short article “With the needs of the elderly in mind” by Shyama Rajagopal is worth it. The Sainik Vihar at Kakkanad, Cochin has been built with these aspects in mind. The author also affirms that such facilities have become relevant today as few projects are started with that aim.



For those of you who may not have read the article, I have here a few points extracted from the article.

Sainik Vihar, Kakkanad, Kochi – Exclusively for ex-service men .

Built by the Kerala Ex-servicemen’s Welfare association.

Built with the needs of the elderly in mind.

To live independently, without feeling lonely, and enjoying community living.

Food from a canteen, or cook of their own.

111 cents of land; accommodation for 36 families; 16 small villas( two units each) ;

Area from 270 sqft to 467 sqft.

Cost from 1.1 lakh to 2.1 lakh (deposit). Regn fees 10,000/--

In case of death, the deposit (less 5%) will be returned to the nominee.

Canteen at reasonable charges.

Guests/ children of the residents will not be allowed to stay overnight (space problem); but Guest room available.

I am sure many senior citizens would be looking for such homes.

Indian Space Traveller

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Anthanaut or Akashyatri ?

Last day's news papers report that the ‘ignited minds’ of Trivandrum were quizzing the Chairman , ISRO, on Indian space activities (ISRO). To a question “What would you call an Indian Space traveler ?’, Chairman, ISRO said that its going to be a students level competition to suggest a suitable name.

To the readers of my earlier posts here would have already knew it.

Anthanaut

Akashnaut

Gaganachary

Akashyathri

Indonaut

Indianaut 
.......

Life of regrets and Missed opportunities

Most of the Senior Citizens, today, would have the difficulty in accepting the 'erosion of old value systems and the evolution of a new way of doing things.' Many persons, after retirement, takes up some job (or part-time job), for a dual objective of getting engaged and an earning to support himself (or the family). But they face a serious cultural shift in the new Organisation. Earlier, we used to get respect and give respect (our value system). But now, there's no one getting respect at all anymore. Because no one gives respect ! It's a world of competition. No one respects the other, irrespective of the age or position.
The work culture is different now. The strong value system has almost disappeared. As a critic said "Even companies are encouraging people to be dishonest".

Over the last three decades, money also has changed. In its quantity and quality. In early 1970s, a good salary was in hundreds. Later, during 80s and 90s, they were in thousands. And now, for the modern youngsters, the salaries are in terms of Lakhs ! This is not just the case of figures, but also in terms purchasing power. During the 70s, we had to shell out almost 6months of our gross earnings to buy a two wheeler. Now, the youngies buy luxury cars for their 6 month net salary. Money, over these years, have made all the difference. But, all those changes have not so been very good for the society.

Many of our Senior Citizens, whom I have come across, talks these sharp facts. The thoughts over these leads to a feel of "regrets". Oh.. I could have done that... I could have done the other way.. and so on.. all regrets. Added to this, almost all of them talk about missed opportunities. 'May be, I should have planned better.. '. At the same time, all of them are aware that it is all past and you cant turn your wheels back. All these thoughts leads to cases of feeling bad and subsequent hypertensions.

This is about how you look at life. It depends on the individual. But the reality is that the only solution is to 'Keep thinking positive.. Never think of regrets and missed opportunities'. Think of your acghievements.. that will make you happy... and will create a 'feel good' factor. This is a dramatic and dynamic force in all our lives.

Counselling Centres for R M S

In a bid to make Senior Citizens aware about the REVERSE MORTGAGE SCHEME, the National Housing Bank (NHB) is planning to setup counselling centres at Chennai, Bangalore, Kalkotta, Pune, and Mumbai.
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The bulging purses

The purses of over 5 million Central Government employees are quite heavy and bulging out now. There’s lot of money with them, with the wind fall gains following the 6CPC implementation.

As in last time (in 1997), most of these huge amounts (received as arrears) will land up in the consumer durables market. That’s exactly why most of these companies are vigorously in the market with attractive schemes and offers ( Navaraathri is just another added reason).

Experts on Personal Finances have a piece of advice to these new millionaires -

“Caution …. before spending all your money on cars, TVs, and PCs, keep in mind the future value of money”.

Here are the important DOs and DON’Ts, (on how to spend your arrear amounts), these Experts suggest.

1. Keep 3 months (household) expenses aside for contingencies.
2. Pay-off Credit Card dues (if any, in full).
3. Prepay Home Loans (if any), as much as possible.
4. Take a Medical Insurance (if not covered by other schemes).
5. Make a Mutual Fund deposit (may consider the Tax gains too).
6. Charity- contribute you might
7. DO NOT park your money in Fixed deposits (or in SB accounts) , as you will most probably end up in a loss, accounting for inflation.

Regarding the increased monthly salary, experts suggest that only a part of your raise be used for household expenses. The balance amount (of your increased salary) should be put in a recurring deposit or SIP into a suitable Mutual Fund.

Retired Employees also would get their revised increased pension. The arrears and the increased monthly pension should be dealt carefully and wisely ( Remember, hard times are ahead, it looks ). You can’t expect any raise in your pension , in the near future (for another 10 years ) !

Retired persons should consider regular expenses (going up always) , contingencies (any time guest !) and growth of capital (to beat inflation).

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Concessions for Senior Citizens

Senior Citizens' Friends Welfare Association, in its State Conference here, called upon the Government for resolving issues and provision of certain concessions.
The main areas are :

1. Form a separate Department for the welfare of the elderly.
2. Enforce the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
3. Fix 60 as the age for getting 'senior citizen benefits'.
4. Provide 50 % concession for Senior Citizens undergoing treatment at Private Hospitals.
5. Sanction pension for destitute widowers and unmarried senior citizens, on the lines of the widow-pension scheme.
6. Issue concession passes for the Senior Citizens traveling in public transport.
7. Ensure 5% reservation in seats (in public transport).

Let's hope the authorities act positive in these genuine demands, immediately.
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Blogging for a "Retyred life'

"
Age is a mental condition. People tend to 'rust out', long before they 'wear out'. Opt for an active lifestyle.
"
Quoting lessons from someone is easy. Practicing the lessons are the difficult part. But, my dear friends, practicing this lesson is 'Very Very Important'. For leading an active life, the first step is to identify a suitable activity (if you are not already active). We'll think of further steps later. Did you identify your activity ?

Hint : Blogging is an excellent activity... ideal for the Senior Citizens.. If you require any HELP on this, please get in touch with me.
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Astronaut, Cosmonaut, Spationaut, Taikonaut and Anthanaut

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Do you know who is an ‘Anthanaut’ ? If not, just check whether you know the following terms.

Astronaut, Cosmonaut, Spationaut, and Taikonaut.

Got it ? Now, you may know. Space travelers from America, Russia, France, and China, are respectively called the above names.But how about ‘Anthanaut’ ? For us in India, ‘Anthariksh’ means Space. So, the right name for a space traveler from India would be ‘Anthanaut’ (or Antharnaut ? ). ‘Indianaut’ or ‘Bharanaut’, if someone coins, doesn’t sound good !

Please check who is the first ‘Anthanaut’ ! May be that’s too early !!

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Promises : for the Senior Citizens

International Day of Older Persons (October 1) &
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act

On October 1, the day of the 'Older Persons', was 'celebrated' by our State Govt too. The authorities made a special note that the demographic proportion of senior citizens in Kerala poses fresh challenges for the State. There are 31.5 Lakh Senior Citizens in the State. The major issues here are : Majority are widows, poverty, gender inequality, and lack of security. Most serious being the “lack of family support”.

Here are a few proposals / offers by the Minister for Health and Social Welfare (Govt of Kerala).
1. Government had drawn up a plan to equip District Hospitals and Geriatirc Care Centres and separate out-patient counters for the Senior Citizens.
2. These facilities would be extended to Taluk Hospitals and Medical College Hospitals in due course.
3. District level Tribunals would be set up to enforce MWP&SC Act.
4. Domestic Violence Act would be invoked to prevent atrocities against Senior Citizens.
5. A project to improve the infrastructural facilities in old age homes being workedout.
6. Free eye camps, Free surgery and spectacles, awareness camps for the inmates of the OldAge homes.
7. The Social Security Mission, announced by the Govt, would take care of the needs of the elderly people also.

I think we should be happy that the Government is really concerned about the Senior Citizens. Let's all be optimistic and wish for the early materialisation of the promises.
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Preparing for Old Age : Social security for the aged.

Preparing for Old Age.

I have today, a few points based on an article {Editorial by BUSINESSLINE dated 27Sept} on the ‘Social security issues of the aged’.

“

Recent efforts to popularize the Reverse Mortgage Loans by NHB (National Housing Bank) in the big cities are noteworthy. But they are not sufficient to address the economic needs of the elderly. RMLs provide an existence to the elderly who possess a house, but do not have a regular income to sustain themselves.

Most of India’s 4.7 million aged people (7.5% of the population in 2005) struggle to survive. This number is expected to rise to 141 million (or 10.2 % of population) by 2020. this situation could be worse, if a safety network is not in place.

Social security has remained the preserve of a few far too long. This should change. It is necessary to go beyond RMLs. A study be an Insurance company points out that only 24% of the households in our country have life insurance cover; the coverage of health and other forms are even lower. To extend life insurance, health insurance, old-age security and maternity benefits to the unorganized sector, pension reforms are a must and cannot be put off any longer.

“

Is our Government doing its best (or at least something) for this ? Ofcourse they did some good to the Government employee pensioners recently. But think of those 422 million workers who are not covered under any of these kind of social security measures.

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Pensioners' portal

Government of India has an excellent Web site giving relevant and useful information for the Senior Citizens and Pensioners. You may please visit :

http://pensionersportal.gov.in/

This provides a lot of information, including Sixth Pay Commission reports, Pension calculator, and others. I have extracted the main page for the Senior Citizens, from this site. Here it is :

Senior Citizen Corner

Senior Citizens are a treasure to our society. They have worked hard all these years for the development of the nation as well as the community. They possess a vast experience in different walks of life. The youth of today can gain from the experience of the senior citizens in taking the nation to greater heights. At this age of their life, they need to be taken care of and made to feel special. Indian Government provides several benefits through its schemes in various sectors of development. With various tax benefits, travel and health care facilities provisioned for them, Indian Government has created reasons for Senior Citizens to feel happy. This corner on Senior Citizens is aimed at providing details on various aspects concerning them.

Health Care
	Health Ailments and Treatment
	Medical Insurance
	Central Government Health Scheme
	Special Programmes/Concessions
	Yoga Directory
	Health Guide from Public Health Foundation of India
	Drug Search, Health Calculators, Medical Consultation
	Compendium of Drug and Medicine Prices
	Health Portal from Orchid Healthcare

Travel Benefits
	By Train
	By Air
	By Ship
	Loan for Financing Trips

Government
	Policies / Schemes
	Concession / Amenities for Defence Personnel

Financial Assistance/Incentives
	Tax Benefits
	Financial Planning
	Loans
	Tax Exemption on Interest

Care for the Elders
	Information about National Initiative for Care of Elderly
	Senior Citizen Life Enrichments Services
	Recreational/Educational Centers
	Homes for Aged
City Helplines
	Information related to selected cities in India & abroad
	Chandigarh-city-helpline
	Kolkata-city-helpline
	City Helpline(New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Cochin and Mumbai)

Indian Temples and Pilgrimage Tours
	Information about temples (religion- wise & religion-wise) in India
	Showcasing Indian temples.
	Official website of Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams offering e-services
	Official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board offering online services
	Information and services related to Amarnath Yatra
	Information about Pilgrimage Tours in India

Pet Care
	Information about Pet Care in India (Pet Nutrition & Therapy)
	A Website on "I Love Indian Pets"

Other Resources
	Information Centre for Senior Citizens
	e-Post, Speed Post Tracking

FAQs
	Medical Policies
	Savings Scheme
	Defence Personnel
	Self-Employment Schemes
	General

BENEFITS TO SENIOR CITIZENS

1	Facilities/Benefits to Senior Citizens by Different Ministries/Departments of Government of India
2	Discounts in Airfare by Air India for Senior Citizens
3	Senior Citizens Savings Scheme from RBI
4	Income Tax Benefits
5	Charging of Senior Citizens by Railways
6	Advice on Do’s and Don’ts for Senior Citizens from Delhi Police
7	Senior Citizen Cell : Delhi Police
8	Senior Citizen Institute (Indian Air Force)