I f it happens, Governmental intervention and support will pre-empt and prevent that under a Central Act known as Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. It is quite unfortunate that in the twilight of their life, family members for whom the parents and elders in fact dedicate their lives in bringing up , nursing and moulding them to face the world, are neglected and even abused. Taking cognizance of such a scenario, otherwise unbecoming of people of the ancient Indian civilization to let their elders suffer the agony of neglect and even desertion, Government of Jammu and Kashmir is on the anvil of notifying certain rules and measures in favour of parents/senior citizens. Under the said Act, rules and procedures will be made to help the concerned suffering senior citizens and provide them necessary succour and support . It is really astonishing that a structural measure based purely on humanitarian and moral grounds as also as empathy, the Central Act in any form was not made applicable to Jammu and Kashmir on account of the “special status” under Article 370 until now under the Reorganisation Rules of Jammu and Kashmir. It may be noted that in early September this year, the Lieutenant Governor had launched a Senior Citizens National Helpline – Elderline 14567. Those who are scurrying from pillar to post for getting maintenance can heave a sigh of relief as they can now apply to the Government for seeking maintenance. Tribunals going to be set up will not only adjudicate property related issues of senior citizens with their family members but arrange to have monthly allowance to be paid by the children on being satisfied about it to a limit of up to Rs.10000 per month as the case may be.
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