Senior citizen policy delayed again after corporators’ outcry

Stuck in red tape, the civic body’s first comprehensive policy for senior citizens was not cleared in the civic standing committee meeting on Wednesday.

Stuck in red tape, the civic body’s first comprehensive policy for senior citizens was not cleared in the civic standing committee meeting on Wednesday.

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The opposition party demanded that the it be reconsidered, claiming their suggestions had not been considered when the draft policy was framed. The civic law committee cleared the policy in March 2013.

“When the draft of the policy was cleared by the law committee, we had suggested a few amendments such as the provision of free surgeries and monthly income provisions for senior citizens,” said Congress corporator Pravin Chheda. Chheda said none of these recommendations were added to the policy that was presented to the standing committee for approval. “The point of discussing and formulating changes was defeated,” he added.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had announced the introduction of the policy, responding to a proposal moved by the Federation of Senior Citizens’ Organisation in Maharashtra.

Under the policy, a separate cell under the chairmanship of mayor Sunil Prabhu was to be created, which would plan welfare schemes for the elderly.

Other measures under the policy included reserving dedicated spaces for senior citizens when large housing complexes are proposed, a library with books on spirituality and physical health, ramps and railings for them in public toilets.