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Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the ministry, special care is being taken for the welfare of the Aged. The Government of India announced a National Policy on Older Persons in January, 1999. This policy provides a road framework for intersectoral collaboration and cooperation both within the government as well as between government and non-governmental agencies. In particular, the policy has identified a number of areas of intervention, financial security, health care and nutrition, shelter, education, welfare, protection of life and property etc. for the wellbeing of older persons in the country. Amongst others the policy also recognizes the role of the NGO sector in providing user friendly affordable services to complement the endeavors’ of the state in this direction. While recognizing the need for promoting productive ageing, the policy also emphasizes the importance of family in providing vital non-formal social security for older persons. To facilitate implementation of the policy, the participation of Panchayat Raj Institutions, State Governments and different Departments of the Government of India is envisaged with coordinating responsibility resting with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
National Council for Older Persons:
National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) has been constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to operationalize the National Policy on Older Persons. The basic objectives of the NCOP are to:
- Advice the Government on policies and programmes for older persons.
- Provide feedback to the Government on the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons as well as on specific programme initiatives for older persons.
- Advocate the best interests of older persons.
- Provide a nodal point at the national level for redressing the grievances of older persons, which are of an individual nature.
- Provide lobby for concessions, rebates and discounts for older persons both with the Government as well as with the corporate sector.
- Represent the collective opinion of older persons to the Government.
- Suggest steps to make old age productive and interesting.
- Suggest measures to enhance the quality of inter-generational relationships.
There are 39 members in the council. A seven member-working group has also been constituted from amongst the members of NCOP.
Old Age And Income Security:
The Ministry has also launched a project called "Old Age Social and Income Security (OASIS)". An Expert Committee is constituted under the project. The first report of the Committee and the existing income security instruments available to older persons have been comprehensively examined. The report also contains detailed recommendations for enhancing the coverage, improving the rate of returns and for bringing about a qualitative improvement in the customer service of Public Provident Fund, the Employees Provident
Fund, the Annuity Plans of LIC, UTI etc. The recommendations of the Committee are being examined by the Ministry of Finance for further action. Meanwhile, Phase II of the project is looking at the pension and gratuity schemes of the central government and old age pension provided under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). At the core of the second phase of project OASIS however, lies the designing of a new, fully funded, contributory pension programme for thebalance (uncovered) workers including casual/contract workers, self-employed, farmers etc.
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Participants