Chhattisgarh launches toll-free helpline number for senior citizens
Raipur, November 13: Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh, in his address to people of state in his monthly radio programme Raman Ke Goth aired from Akashwani Raipur, said that state Government has launched toll free number 1800-180-1253 and helpline number 0771-2511253 in Police Headquarters Raipur with senior citizen cell, for helping senior citizens.
Mentioning about the legal provisions and administrative measures for conservation of the rights of senior citizens, Singh said above all, I would like to say that one should consider it fortunate to have got the opportunity to serve the senior citizens, and the extreme circumstances of legal measures and old age home should be avoided as much as possible.
“This would be conducted jointly by Chhattisgarh Police and Social Welfare Organization Helpage India. Our education, our jobs and our work all goes well because of the hard work and the blessings of the elders in the family. So when they are weak in their old age, we should not leave them in the cold, instead we should become their support. And instead of doing it out of sympathy, we should take it as our responsibility to look after our elder ones.”
To the ones who are negligent towards their duties for senior citizens, Chief Minisetr warned that there are legal provisions to protect the rights of senior citizens. As per the section 125 of IPC, it is the responsibility of children to look after parents in their old age. Senior citizens may lodge police complaint in case of violation of their rights and they may also go to court for their rights. Family consultation and senior citizen help desk will be established in all the police stations.
Dr Raman Singh said we often see these days that some people run away from their responsibilities towards their parents. As a result, senior citizens have to face many difficulties and they become dependent on others, and some even have to take shelter in old age homes.
Talking about the legal provisions for protection of rights of senior citizens, Singh said under Parents and Senior Citizens Sustenance Act 2007, senior citizens have the right to apply in the court of Sub-Divisional Magistrate of their area. As per section 20 (1) of Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, disable, helpless, parents are responsibility of sons and daughters, and this law applied to all the communities and sects. Recently on October 3, 2017, Senior Citizen Cell was established in Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters in Raipur.