World Senior Citizen’s Day is annually observed across the globe on 21st August to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of the elders to society and their inclusiveness in society. The day aims to create awareness about the issues and challenges faced by the elderly.
Background:
i.The World Senior Citizens’ Day was officially founded by the former President of the United States of America Ronald Regan.
ii.He took the initiative to honour the senior citizens in 1998 and signed the proclamation 5847 and marked the 21st August of every year as World Senior Citizens’ Day.
UN’s International Day of Older Persons:
The United Nations(UN) International Day of Older Persons is annually observed on 1st October.
Efforts of Indian Government to support Senior Citizens:
Integrated Programme for Older Persons:
i.The Integrated Programme for Older Persons, a central sector scheme, by the Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment.
ii.The scheme aims to improve the quality of life of older people.
Pension Grievance Registration And Monitoring System (PENGRAMS):
i.The PENGRAMS, an online computerised system, by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
ii.It was developed with an aim to address and monitor the grievances besides providing a fast access to the pensioners.
iii.It offers facilities such as Register the Grievance, Send Reminder/Clarification, Check Status of Registered Grievance.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Scheme:
i.The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is a Pension Scheme exclusively for Senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
ii.The availability of the scheme has been extended up to 31st March 2023 for a period of 3 years beyond 21st March 2020.
Some of the other initiatives by the government of India to support the senior citizens includes,
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
- National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
- Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund
- National Council for Older Persons (NCOP)
