The rights of a senior citizen

 

It is a tradition of Indian society that elders are always given respect and dignity in Indian society. In the past, we are taught to respect the experience, advice and guidance of the elders in the house. But in today's modern age not everyone pays attention to their family as well as family members in their work and busy life. Among all these, the elderly suffer the most. Due to this, disputes and complaints start to arise. Due to not giving proper attention and time to senior citizens, they have to face many problems. Also, the rights of senior citizens are being violated. To curb all this and to protect their rights, the Senior Citizens Act, 2007 has been introduced in which the rights of senior citizens have been protected under the maintenance and welfare of senior citizens. Citizens who complete 60 years of age come under the Senior Citizens Act.

  The rights of a senior citizen under the Senior Citizens Act are as follows

•   If the senior citizens have no children, then the senior citizens can claim maintenance from the heirs who will inherit their property after them.
•    Also, an independent arbitrator has been set up for this purpose, headed by SDO level officer i.e. sub-divisional officer, senior citizen can complain to the officer.
•  Although the arbitrator decides the maximum amount to be paid to senior citizens by their children or relatives, there is a provision of a maximum maintenance amount of Rs.10000/-.
• If a person defaults in maintenance, he is liable to imprisonment under the provisions of the Senior Citizens Act.
•  A senior citizen has the right to cancel the transfer of his property by will or gift.
• According to the Senior Citizens Act, there is a provision to establish at least one old age home in every district. Such old age homes should have the capacity to shelter 150 senior citizens.
• The State Government may prescribe schemes for the management of old age homes, including standards and types of services to be provided by old age homes. Services include medical care and recreational facilities.
• Medical Assistance for Senior Citizens Section 20 of the Senior Citizens Act provides for medical assistance for senior citizens.
• A senior citizen can claim maintenance from his grandchild, grandchild, son or daughter, provided the grandchild and grandchild are not minors.
•  According to this section, the State Government shall ensure that:
• Beds should be made available for senior citizens in hospitals fully or partially funded by the State Government.
• There should be a separate queue for senior citizens. Facilities for treatment of chronic, endocrine and degenerative diseases are provided for senior citizens.
•  Section 22 of the Senior Citizens Act states that the State Government confers powers and imposes duties on the District Magistrate. Maintenance and welfare of parents and the provisions of the Senior Citizens Act should be properly implemented by the State Government.

The Senior Citizens Act is an umbrella law that covers all matters necessary for senior citizens. This Act protects the rights of senior citizens and the duties of children or relatives. Due to this law, the relatives must take care of the basic facilities like food, health care, clothing of senior citizens. This Act has made a powerful provision for the maintenance of senior citizens. However, these provisions were already present in the Constitution of India. The provisions got a legal framework after the Senior Citizens Act came into force.