GREEN THUMBS

  

 

On the face, it appears to be an ordinary issue, for many, to be discussed in a blog. However, to my mind, its importance cannot be undermined.  We all are well aware that elderly people not only raised and supported us and gave values, courage and motivation to face life challenges. At the same time their contribution by way of time, efforts, energy and sacrifices made in nation building and society cannot be over emphasised. Thus, the subject is too significant to be ignored particularly from the point of elderly people and the persons who are going to join in immediate near future the group “Elite 60”. Even for youngsters, I am certain; it would be of immense help to go through and to extend assistance to their acquaintances to take advantage of the old age benefits. As per the Government norms all the senior citizens are provided additional facilities and preferences like discounts in travel tickets and host of other Govt. amenities.

 

2. Fellow senior citizens, though already may be well aware and making full use of such facilities, can revisit it to brush their memories. Compilation of the blog can also be considered as a reference point. Efforts have been made to bring out various facilities being provided by State /Central Government, Banks, PSUs and other Institutions/Organisations in a compact, easily comprehensible and concise manner. For easy reference facilities being extended by different Departments are clubbed together and jotted down under the relative Department/Ministry.

 

3. (a) To begin with, let me focus on the facilities/concessions/ special schemes being provided by the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Govt. of India. Obviously being a banker, at the outset, I would like to high light the facilities provided by the Banks.

  

3 (b)  Further, salient features of schemes viz. (i) Pradhan Mantri Vaya Yojana and (ii) Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS) announced by the GOI for exclusive advantage of the group “Elite 60” are discussed hereunder:

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana:

 

 Senior Citizen Saving Scheme(SCSS):

 

          (c). INCOME TAX DEPARMENT

Next the most significant aspect for the seniors is the tax liability on their income. Income Tax pampers senior citizens and very senior citizens with several tax benefits.  Undernoted three power point slides reflect important tax concessions and related reliefs available to them. 

         

               

4. DEPARTMENT OF RAILWAYS

          Senior citizens, who would prefer to undertake journey by train, are entitled to                 avail themselves of facilities from the Railways discussed hereunder:

PARTMENT OF RAILWAYS

 Note: Due to Pandemic, a few concessions were temporarily suspended by Railways. For latest position refer to Railway Enquiry.

5. DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION:

As in the case of Railways, Aviation Department offers, discounts to their senior citizens travellers.

          

           6. TRAVEL BY STATE ROADWAYS:

 

           

 Different State Roadways, as a matter of State Policy, provide certain preferences and benefits to the elderly commuters. Since, I am resident of Gurgaon; details of facilities offered by Haryana Roadways are listed above. One may refer to the Roadways policy of his/her State. Incidentally, since people from Gurgaon, Haryana have to commute Delhi frequently, it would not be out place to mention that all ladies including senior ones are allowed free journey within Delhi by DTC. This apart, Senior Citizens are issued concessional monthly passes by DTC.

 

7. DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION:

A few of elderly citizens may be aware that the Department of Communication too contribute its mite to make their life confortable.

8. MINISTRY OF LAW :

In case of Law Ministry, the most relevant aspect for elders is Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007. This Act is of very significant especially for those unfortunate elderly people who are unable to maintain themselves and are per force dependent on their children for maintenance. The Act needs to be circulated widely for senior citizens to be aware of their maintenance in case of need.

 

9. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH:

Certain facilities are available to senior citizens by Health Department but most of us are not aware of them. Hence, I have compiled a separate PPT for the same. There is an urgent need to expand geriatric health care facilities in our hospitals, a concept that remained a neglected area of medicine in the country.

 

I am sanguine that the blog would to create awareness about the various benefits available and useful to the senior fellows. Further, your are requested to kindly give your valuable comments/observations and suggestions, if any, on the space provided in the blog itself.

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