Patna - Helpage India Programme

Meeting With the Senior Citizen’s Associationfor the Formation of State Level FederationA one day consultation workshop for representativeof Senior Citizen Association was organized atHelpAge India, state office, Bihar on 28.08.2012 toinitiate the process of State Level Federation of SCAsinBihar. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. H. S.Bakshi, National Director (Advocacy) of HelpAge India.The main focus of consultation workshop was tostrengthen the SCAs and to encourage for formationof state level federation by a democratic process.During the discussion he emphasized that state levelfederation of SCA is necessary to advocate and buildpressure on government for their rights and valuesof senior citizens. He mentioned that SCAs voicescan be put strongly to the government through federation.He also highlighted the issue related to pensionof people working the un-organized sector,which need to be addressed.The representative of Variya Nagrik Sabha, Majistrate colony,Patna raised the issue for removal of APL/BPL criteria for theelderly to get benefits of various government schemes.The representative of National Senior Citizens Association(Khagoul) shared that due to due to lack of coordination withthe government, old age home, protection to property act etchas not implemented in the state.The HelpLine Councillor of HelpAge India, Bihar office,Mr. Dhrmendra Kumar updated the current statusof The maintenance and welfare of parents andSenior Citizen Act 2007 in Bihar. He informed thatthe state government has already issued the notificationfor the the Act. But, the rule and regulation forimplementation is yet to be finalized.The suggestion also came from representative to organize astate level workshop and Principal Secretary should be invitedto government representative.All participants were convinced with the idea and agreed toform a coordination committee to take necessary step for formationof federation. It was decided the member of coordinationcommittee will meet on 9 th September 2012 to strategiesfor formation of state Level Federation.The workshop was concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. AlokKumar Verma, Mangaer(RM), Helpage India, Bihar.