Advani lends ear to woes of elderly

New Delhi, Jul 20 (UNI) More than 1500 senior citizens gathered here to mark their solidarity against what they called the attitude of the government in implementing the policies made for their benefit.

Putting forward their demands before BJP prime ministerial candidate L K Advani, J R Gupta, president of Senior Citizen Council Of India, asked the Government to amend its contradictory policies and make sure that old citizens, who have sacrificed their heyday for the country, should be treated with honour and dignity and they get their due share in society.

Mr Gupta said the age of retirement for a government official is 60 years whereas the Income-tax department gives the benefit to senior citizens at the age of 65. Insurance agents deny the benefits to citizens after 65 years, which adds to the existing 'ageing' woes, he rued.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has allowed a 50 per cent concession in the rail fare to women whereas senior male citizen get a 30 per cent concession only, which is discriminatory, Mr Gupta regretted.

Mr Advani, who attended to the elderly, did not comment on the fluid political situation in the Capital. Mr Advani, who refused to give any assurance to them, said, '' Let's see how the political developments will change the course of the Government.'' BJP leader Vijay Goel, the co-ordinator of the programme, along with Pitampura senior citizen association president Sushil Vij was present at the function.

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