Senior citizens in Varanasi expect more social security from budget

Varanasi, July 5 (ANI): Senior citizens here are expecting more social security benefits from the Budget 2009-10.

With the joint family system being phased out as nuclear families take root, the elder are being left on their own. The old age homes come as a last resort for those who once took an active part in the society, but are now left to fend for themselves.

Though in current scenario, number of old-age homes has come up, but there is a need for many more such homes in India.

"We really hope and expect that government will look after us. This time again, the Congress has come to power. We really hope that the Manmohan Singh's Government will support helpless, poor and aged," said Roma Mazumdar, an elderly woman from the old age home.

Older people are especially vulnerable due to their physical frailty and lack of mobility.

Most of the older persons in India have no social security, living in rural areas. While 30 per cent of them live without two square meals a day, an estimated 55 per cent of the older population consists of women, with no support whatsoever.

Plagued by uncertainties of the future, the inmates of the old age home share a wonderful camaraderie amongst themselves.

As of now, they eagerly await the budget to know what benefits it holds for them.

"The Government should pay attention towards us and take care of our needs, " said David Pal, an elderly from the old age home. (ANI)