Union Budget disappoints senior citizens; Calls for pension hike, Railway concessions ignored

Kozhikode: This year's Union Budget speech, spanning 58 pages, has overlooked the concerns of senior citizens, who constitute more than 22 percent of India's population. There was not a single mention of the elderly, leaving them and their advocacy groups disappointed.

Old age Pension

Since 2007, the government has provided a pension of Rs 200 for those aged 60 and above, and Rs 500 for those aged 79 and above. However, these amounts have remained unchanged despite calls for an increase.

Railway fare concession

Senior citizen fare concessions in various train coaches were suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand from various senior citizen organisations across the country to restore it was also noted. Indian Railway Passengers Amenities Committee Chairman PK Krishnadas announced that the Railways would soon take positive action on the issue. However, there was no mention of the same in the budget.

Union Commission for Welfare of the Elderly

A Central Commission for the welfare of the elderly was also proposed to ensure their safety and well-being. It could have operated similarly to the National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women, appointing special officers and providing legal support.

Timely legal reforms

There was no mention of necessary amendments to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which many feel is overdue for updates.

Health Security and Insurance

Despite long-standing demands, the budget did not allocate funds for health security schemes or health insurance schemes for senior citizens.

Forum to meet with the Prime Minister to appraise concerns

State officials of the Senior Citizens Welfare Association are set to travel to Delhi to voice their dissatisfaction with the exclusion of elderly issues in the central budget. They are scheduled to meet the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Railway Minister, and Social Justice Minister in person on 30 July. Amaravila Ramakrishnan, State General Secretary of the Association, along with Joint Secretary PP Balan and Vice President KA Sarala, will be heading to Delhi on 29 July.