PRESS CONFERENCE on AUGUST 10, 2011at TISS

 TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

In Collaboration with Joint Action Committee for

“Senior Citizens' National Solidarity Day on August 16, 2011

Announces a Press Conference On

10th August 2011

Venue: TISS Convention Centre Lobby, Naoroji Campus, Deonar Farm Road,Mumbai.

When it comes to intentions and practice, especially with senior citizens in India it raises a big question. Despite the fact that the NPOP (National Policy for Older Persons) was adopted by the country as far back as 1999, the neglect by the State and Central Governments and the entire bureaucratic systems in the tardy or non- implementation of policies and ignoring the welfare of the senior citizens is most obvious.

In response to this injustice and neglect, last year 16th August was observed as a National Protest Day by the senior citizens and their associations. As a result of nationwide activity last year, there has been some semblance of positive action from the central government like concessions in Income Tax structure, Railway  fares, quantum of Old Age Pension, eligibility criteria for concessions  etc. However, most State governments are yet to wake up and respond. They continue to be indifferent towards the problems and concerns of senior citizens by not implementing welfare schemes like Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOPS) and The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents And Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC). Hence through the activities on August 16, this year the focus of attention is to demand that state governments fulfill their commitments. Hence to keep up the momentum gained, it has been decided to observe 16th August 2011 as SENIOR CITIZENS NATIONAL SOLIDARITY DAY all over India. As last year Centre for Lifelong Learning, reiterates its support for the ‘Senior Citizens' National Solidarity Day’ by organizing a press conference on10th August 2011.

We appeal to all of you to be part of the press conference to express your support for the cause of rights of senior citizens.

CLL Team