Govt to set up helpline for Delhi's elderly populace

NEW DELHI: In an attempt to address issues concerning senior citizens in the national Capital, the Social Welfare department of Delhi government is likely to start a helpline for to help them and will observe Senior Citizens Day.

Social Welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam directed officials of his department to make a 24X7 helpline available at the earliest. The helpline will also have choice of language for its callers.

Gautam, along with the top officials, held a meeting with representatives of senior citizens. In the discussion, it was found that there are nearly 111 recreation clubs operating for senior citizens.

A source in the government noted that the department has cleared grants for 46 recreation clubs already.

The representatives urged the minister that a lot of improvement, with respect to infrastructure, is needed in these clubs.

Gautam assured them that the government will work for the development of these clubs.

The representatives also observed that crime against senior citizens in the Capital are increasing and the elderly also often undergo other related problems.

Being frail and helpless, many of the elderly do not always understand where to go and what to do. The representatives said that setting up of a helpline for the elderly would be helpful.

After discussing the matter with the senior officials, Gautam assured that the government will work on this matter.

Starting this year, the Delhi government will also plan a Senior Citizens Day, which the Social Welfare department will announce soon.

On this day, the Department will arrange various programs for senior citizens across the city.

The representatives of senior citizens also welcomed the move.

They also urged that a separate commission for the elderly should be set up.

The minister directed the officials to work on all the demands and to submit a detailed report to him, after which he will take the necessary decisions.