Kolkata: Undertaking a major move to stand beside elderly people, the Mamata Banerjee government has decided to waive 10 percent property tax for senior citizens.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made the announcement in a tweet on International Day of Older Persons. She tweeted: "Today is International Day of Older Persons. Our govt has waived 10% property tax for senior citizens."
She further stated in the tweet: "We have set up helplines for them. Plans are afoot to open geriatric care units in district hospitals. My best wishes to all."
The decision to waive 10 percent of the property tax for senior citizens will benefit them a lot. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the elderly persons get the benefit as early as possible.
It may be mentioned that the Mamata Banerjee government has always stressed upon the wellbeing of elderly people. As a part of its community policing initiative, Kolkata Police runs a programme called Pranam to extend support to elderly people who reside in the city.
Taking a cue from Kolkata Police, similar projects have been initiated by other police commissionerates as well as districts. Police maintain a database of the elderly people and remain in touch with them on a regular basis.