Nightingales regularly organizes
various awareness and advocacy programmes to sensitize the
local community and the government to the issues of older
people. Rallies, walks, exhibitions, seminars etc. are conducted
frequently. Sensitization workshops are also held. Handbooks
on elder related issues are being released.
Handbooks so far published
Prevention of Crime against Elders
Be a cautious Senior Citizen!
Old Age Homes Directory
Seven Steps to Seniors Security
The Elders Protection of Rights and Redressal of Grievances
Bill
Legal
Issues:
With a view to creating awareness
among the elders and the community on elder related legal
issues and the possible remedial measures, an interactive
Workshop was organized on 20th July 2003, jointly with Karnataka
State Pensioners Association. Over 300 elders representing
42 senior citizens organizations participated. The workshop
deliberated on various legal related grievances and hardship
faced by elders. Based upon the proceedings a Memorandum was
prepared and presented to the Government and the Judiciary
with a request for special consideration of elder
related cases. Though the Government,
in principle agreed to expedite the proceedings through fast
tracks, establishing special courts exclusively for elders
seems to be difficult.
Legislation: To promote an exclusive legislation for
upholding elders interests, a draft bill 'The Elders Protection
of Rights and Redressal of
Grievances Act' was prepared with
input from legal experts and other organisations concerned
with the elderly. The draft bill proposes a state coordination
committee to evolve and enforce a comprehensive policy for
promoting elders' welfare and resolving related issues. It
recommends a chief commissioner for elders who would be appointed
by the state Government through a notification. The bill also
proposes the setting up of separate elders courts or fast
track courts to help the elderly get justice;
welfare schemes for senior citizens;
provision for research and education in this area; state recognition
of institutions for elders and promotion of joint efforts
between state and private and voluntary agencies. It was presented
to the political parties to include in their election manifestos
and some major parties have included it. Enactment is awaited.
The Government of India through National
Institute of Social Defence asked NMT to organize a High level
Southern Regional Conference to formulate a Model Central
Legislation for promoting Maintenance, Care and Protection
for Older Persons. It was organized on 26th August 2005. High
ranking government officers from the Central and State Governments
of Southern States participated. Nightingales has also invited
eminent experts and NGOs working for the elderly to give their
opinion.
Based on the deliberations, we have
submitted a report with our recommendations to Government
of India.
