Now, an umbrella body for elders

Representatives of as many as 25 senior citizens’ associations from across the city have come together to form a ‘Confederation of Senior Citizens’ Association of Delhi’ for tackle the various problems they face in day-to-day life, reports Nivedita Khandekar.

Representatives of as many as 25 senior citizens’ associations from across the city have come together to form a ‘Confederation of Senior Citizens’ Association of Delhi’ for tackle the various problems they face in day-to-day life.

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There are an estimated nine lakh senior citizens in Delhi.

The Confederation has representation from all parts of Delhi and its first formal meeting was held on Friday.

Sudarshan Arora of the Rajinder Nagar Senior Citizen’s Association and a Confederation office bearer said, “Being part of a larger group will help us tremendously. We have been taking up several issues at our local police station level but now, we can approach even the Police Commissioner.”

The senior citizens have decided to submit a charter of their demands to the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik.

“Our charter of demands for the Union Minister would have issues faced by all senior citizens. There has been a long-pending demand for a Commission for Senior Citizens on the lines of the National Commission for Women,” said J R Gupta, chairperson. of the Confederation. Other issues include reduction of age for tax exemption from 65 to 60 years.

NGO Helpage India would be permanent advisors to the Confederation.