Government must have exclusive officer for redressal of grievances of elderly persons

The condition of elderly persons is becoming more & more grimmer. Elderly person is perforce dependable on others in physical terms. Economically also most of older people have to depend upon their children. Dr.Sukhchain Singh Gill, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana has solace to elders by coming to their rescue. On the eve of New Year he took vow to assist elderly persons in whatever possible way. He has percolated this message to the police. He has started Elders Connect Program to redress the grievances of Senior Citizens. The miserable condition of elders is a cause of worry world over. In the year 1992 U.N. General Assembly adopted the proclamation to observe the year 1999 as international year of older persons. U.N. General Assembly has declared 1st Oct as the international day for the elders. Government of India enacted law for the protection of Senior Citizens in year 2007. Punjab Government also made rules to assist the elderly persons in every way possible. The complaints of elderly persons are heard by D.C.’s /A.D.C.’s of the District. Even advocates are not allowed to participate in the hearing. As per law the cases of Senior Citizens are to be disposed of within 90 days of its filing. Unfortunately cases go on lingering for years. This is due to heavy work load on administration. Government is urged to have exclusive officer for the redressal of grievances of the elderly persons at least in the bigger towns like Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar. *Author P.D. Sharma is President of Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab)