Delhi police issue ID cards to elderly

On the eve of International Day for Older Persons, the Delhi police on Sunday organised a registration mela in all the police stations across the city for enrolling senior citizens, especially those who live alone.

On the eve of International Day for Older Persons, the Delhi police on Sunday organised a registration mela in all the police stations across the city for enrolling senior citizens, especially those who live alone.

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The move was necessitated keeping in view that several senior citizens fall prey to crimes in the city. Every year since 1991, the United Nations observes the International Day for Older Persons. The theme for this year is 'Longevity: Shaping the Future'.

SBK Singh, joint commissioner of police (crime) said: "We would be issuing identity cards to the senior citizens who have registered at the mela today. Then, we will carry out safety and security audit at their respective homes."

The mela was a follow up of a meeting between Singh and Confederation of Senior Citizens Associations of Delhi held earlier in September. The meeting had emphasised on increasing awareness among the elderly about registration with the Senior Citizens' Cell of Delhi police and verification of domestic helps.

But, apparently due to lack of awareness, the response to the registration mela has not been as good as expected. "There are various reasons for a poor response. For instance, in Safdarjung Enclave area, many of the senior citizens are already registered," said JR Gupta, president of the confederation.

"We are expecting Singh tomorrow for our function on the elders' day. We would raise a demand with him to continue the registration mela for at least a month to cover more seniors," Gupta added.