Best State Award to MP on International Senior Citizens’ Day

Bhopal: President Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred Best State Award to Madhya Pradesh on International Senior Citizens’ Day in New Delhi today. The award has been conferred to the state for implementation of Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens’ Welfare Act-2007 and providing facilities and services to senior citizens. On behalf of the state government, the award was received by Secretary Social Justice Shri V.K. Batham. The function was held at Vigyan Bhavan by Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry. Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Km. Shailja was also present.

Madhya Pradesh has implemented Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens’ Welfare Act-2007 by framing its rules in year 2009. For this, 352 sub-divisional authorities headed by SDM and 50 Appellate Authorities headed by district collectors were constituted in the state. Till day, 271 cases have been registered in the state under the Act of which 128 cases have been disposed of. Besides, old age homes are also being run in Madhya Pradesh. When a senior citizen attains age of 100, he or she is honoured with Rs. 1000, shawl and coconut.
Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan had convened senior citizens’ panchayat at his residence and clarified state government’s stand toward senior citizens. Strict action will be taken against those not maintaining and taking care of their parents. Under the Act, a person not maintaining his parents may have to give upto Rs. 10000 maintenance per month allowance. There is also provision of 3 months’ imprisonment in case of its violation.
It is noteworthy that Union Government has framed Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens’ Welfare Act-2007 to protect parents against abandonment and ensure their well being. The Act was implemented in the state from August 23, 2008. Under the Act, parents unable to maintain themselves from their income or property have the right to seek maintenance from their children. Now, this law exists in Madhya Pradesh as Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens’ Welfare Rules-2009.
Under the Act, Appellate Authority can order upto Rs. 10000 maintenance per month allowance. Abandonment or neglect of senior citizens has been made a cognizable offence. For this, Rs. 5000 thousand fine or 3 months’ imprisonment or both can be awarded.
Social Justice Department has appointed Maintenance Officers in all districts to assist authorities and appellate authorities under the Act. Superintendents of Police have been entrusted responsibility to protect senior citizens’ property.