Meira wants youth, NGOs to care for elderly

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar today called for the cooperation of the NGOs and the public, especially the youth, to create an environment where the elderly gets respect, care and affection.

''There was need to sensitise the society at large about the needs of the older persons,'' Ms Kumar said speaking before flagging off a 'Walkathon' on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons here.

The Government was very much concerned about the welfare and security of the older persons, especially those belonging to the below poverty line(BPL) and families residing in remote and rural areas, the Minister said.

She said an atmosphere of security and care for the senior citizens could be created more easily with the cooperation of the public, especialy the youth, and also the NGOs.

About 2,500 senior citizens and school children participated in the event. The function was organised by the Ministry in collaboration with HelpAge India.

October 1 is observed all over the world as International Day of the Elderly. The basic idea behind the celebrations is to recognise the services rendered by the senior citizens and to reiterate the Government's commitment towards the cause of the elderly.

This year also, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has organised a series of programmes and felicitated distinguished senior citizens with Vayoshreshta Samman.

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