Sumitra Mahajan bats for schemes to ensure better care for elderly

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today batted for introducing a scheme to ensure that the elderly get nutritious food on the lines of the one for the children.

Addressing a programme on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, she also suggested development of such colonies where old age homes and orphanages can be put up together.

"We provide nutritious food to children. It is necessary for the old also to get good nutritious food. Some new plans can be chalked out in this regard," Mahajan said in the presence of Social Justice Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot and his deputy Sudarshan Bhagat here.

India has launched Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme in 1975 with objectives to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years and to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child.

Noting that the challenges faced by aged are manifold and multi-faceted, the Speaker said their separation from the rest of the family due to various reasons including their children's job responsibilities causes psychological trauma for them.

"Going by the conditions before us, we have to think about creation of such colonies where both elderly and orphan children can live together," she said.

The Speaker also said there is need for good old age homes where the neglected people can be comfortable and feel at home.

"There can also be a facility where old age homes and orphanages can be put up together so that the old can meet children," Mahajan said at the function organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

She asked all sections of the society, particularly youth, to empathise with the cause of the elderly and to contribute for their betterment.