Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa said that while the government had simplified procedures senior citizens had to go through to obtain documents and had set up a working helpline 1090, the implementation and efficacy of certain schemes had left a lot to be desired.
“Instead of ad-hoc measures, the government needs to actively engage with NGOs and individuals working in this field, so that the actual problems may be solved and government funds and resources may be put to more effective use to directly alleviate the problems faced by senior citizens,” AAP member Ernesto Morais said.
The party demanded that a special cell be constituted in the Social Welfare Department to hear grievances of senior citizens, formulate schemes and implement central and state schemes.
They also sought a geriatric ward at the Goa Medical College and other government hospitals. “Reports estimate that over 5,000 senior citizens suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in Goa but there are no state-sponsored facilities for dementia and AID patients nor is there adequate awareness about the two diseases,” Morais said.
Roland Martins of the GOACAN pointed to the need for better implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 and Goa Rules 2009.
“Everything from the committees at the taluka level to the role the police have to play in safeguarding lives of senior citizens have been laid out in the act but the implementation is where the problem lies,” he said.
GOACAN has also begun a 12-month campaign to enlighten senior citizens on their rights and benefits as per the act. They have also decided to get village panchayats and municipal councils to start day care centres under the UMMID scheme of the Social Welfare Department.
