IIPA organizes Panel Discussion on 'Issues and Concerns of Senior Citizen'

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch organized a panel discussion on the theme “Issues and Concerns of Senior Citizens”. Dr. (Prof) Nirmal Gupta, Chairperson, J&K State Social Welfare Board was the Chief Guest during the occasion. The panelists included Dr. C M Seth, IFS (Retd), Member, Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association; Sh. Vikram Gour, Patron, Association of Welfare for Senior Citizen, Jammu and Sh. Chander Gulhati, an eminent senior citizen of Jammu. The function was attended by over 40 eminent senior citizens of the city..

Dr. Nirmal Gupta in her address said that the issues and concerns of senior citizens is a grave and serious issue which should catch the attention of whole society. She said that the present government is conscious of the concerns of the senior citizens and is committed towards providing facilities to this respected section of our society. She informed that the Jammu and Kashmir Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2014 provides enough provisions which are in the interest of senior citizens. However she called upon the eminent senior citizens of the state to come forward and constitute a confederation that mobilizes resources in the interest of the community in addition to seeking support from the government agencies.

Dr. C M Seth in his presentation called for that the retired state government employees should get benefits which are at par with the benefits given to the retired central government employees. He further stressed that the state government should develop a mechanism through which the expertise of retired government officials should be utilized. .

Sh. Chander Gulhati in his presentation expressed his concern over depleting emotional bond between the youth and the senior citizens. He stressed the need for creating a social security system which takes care of the interest of senior citizens by providing them adequate insurance cover and health care facilities. .

Sh. Vikram Gour in his presentation shared the various provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2014 but said that the government is yet to frame the rules and regulations which ensure the implementation of the act in spirit. He said the government itself is indulging in abuse of senior citizens by not providing adequate services and facilities to the senior citizens..

Earlier, Er. V N Sharma while introducing the subject called upon the eminent retired senior citizens of the state to come forward and think about serving and repaying to the society. He suggested that all the healthy senior citizens should get associated with various NGO’s of the state and contribute in their own capacities.

Er. J B S Johar, Honorary Secretary, IIPA was also present during the occasion. Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) conducted the proceedings of the function and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary concluded the proceedings of the function.