The Hindu : New Delhi News : BJP promises old age homes for senior citizens

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Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008
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New Delhi

BJP promises old age homes for senior citizens

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: With nearly 15 senior citizens being murdered every year on an average in Delhi, BJP general secretary Vijay Goel on Monday declared that if the BJP comes to power after the Delhi Assembly elections this weekend, it would construct more housing societies and old age homes for senior citizens so that they are able to live a safe and secure life.

Campaigning for party candidates Ramesh Bidhuri and S. C. L. Gupta in Tughlakabad and Sangam Vihar, respectively, Mr. Goel asked people to vote for the BJP since on coming to power it would deliver on the needs of senior citizens.

“Delhi,” he said, “has about 9.5 lakh senior citizens of whom about 48 per cent stand neglected by their families. Though only 15 per cent of them ever register a complaint, there is a dire need to work for their welfare.”

Mr. Goel also said that since 90 per cent of the problems of senior citizens relate to land and property, there is a need to address these concerns as well. “A large number of senior citizens need proper care and sensitivity along with food, clothing and shelter,” he added.

Despite the claims of the Delhi police, many senior citizens live under constant fear, he said, because police personnel seldom meet them to enquire about their problems. Also, he said, while 17 senior citizens were murdered in 2007, till June this year nine had lost their lives to mindless crime.

Mr. Goel said the need of the hour was to provide identity cards to all senior citizens, construct at least one old age home in every Assembly segment and to provide medical insurance to people over 60. He said just like elderly women, men should also be provided 50 per cent concession in rail travel and all those over 60 should be considered senior citizens at all places, departments and ministries.

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