KMC looks to provide special civic amenities to the elderly

Kolkata: Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is all set to provide special civic amenities and care for senior citizens in the city. 10 percent rebate in property tax, concession in licence fees and special discount in sanction of building plans will be offered to those in the age group of 60 years and above.

There will also be separate dedicated helpdesks for them in the treasury and assessment departments of the civic body.

Mayor Firhad Hakim has already approved a slew of facilities for the aged and a circular has been issued by Municipal Commissioner Khalil Ahmed highlighting the 15 point programme for senior citizens and has instructed the concerned departments to take steps to ensure that the facilities reach the senior citizens at the earliest. The Information and Technology wing of KMC has been asked to put in place a dedicated senior citizen helpline, while the Health department will provide facilities for primary health check-up for senior citizens.

"There will be separate counters for senior citizens in hospitals having PPP arrangement within KMC and special ambulance service for them with phone number in KMC web portal," a senior KMC official said.

The conservancy department has been directed to identify the premises where only senior citizens reside and collect municipal solid waste from the doorstep of these premises.

All controlling officers have been instructed to give priority to senior citizens in official works of KMC, in order to minimise their waiting time within the premises of the civic body.

There will be special discount in booking of community halls exclusively for functions for the elderly and also special discount in parking rate and parking facilities.

"The Parks and Gardens department has been directed to explore sitting arrangement for the aged in all the parks maintained by the civic body, wherever there is availability of space," the official added.

The Municipal Secretary has been asked to invite senior citizens to cultural functions or flower shows organised by the KMC through issuance of invitation cards.

"The Town Planning and Development department has been asked to explore facilities of old-age homes in the city, to facilitate lodging of senior citizens who have been compelled to live separately," the official added.