Lok Sabha Speaker calls for govt role in empowering elderly

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) In his tribute to the elderly on International Senior Citizens Day', Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee today called for evolving policies to empower the elderly in recognition of their contribution to the society.

''The government should play the central role in formulating and implementing policies that foster an enabling environment, through the services of civil society, for the senior citizens,'' said Mr Chatterjee at a function here to mark the day.

Describing the elderly as repositories of experience and wisdom, he said old age does not mean 'forced retirement' or leading oneself to a state of dependency. ''The challenge is to be seen in the wake of industrialisation and modernisation which have affected the guiding philosophy of the family.'' Earlier in the day, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar flagged off the 'Inter-Generational Walkathon' to mark 'International senior citizens Day ', in which about 200 senior citizens and 500 school children participated.

She announced that the government would soon bring an effective legislation to promote care, maintenance and protection of parents and senior citizens.

''The Bill, which would take care of the overall welfare of the elderly, is being given a final shape in consultation with the state governments.'' Meanwhile, to mark the day, more than 400 people today donated blood under the aegis of the Help Foundation's 'Vande Bujurgam' programme.

The Foundation, which also organised a 'Health Mela' to mark the day in association with Delhi Police and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), said its aim was to spread awareness among the new generation over the neglect of the elderly.

''We want to highlight the problems of the elderly people who mainly face psychological problems of isolation, loneliness and unshared feelings than physical ones,'' said Help Foundation's Susheel Raja.

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