Awareness drive held on caring for parents, elders

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, in partnership with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), held a special session in New Delhi on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The event aimed to raise awareness about the legal rights of senior citizens, government schemes supporting them, and the community’s role in ensuring their welfare.

Union Minister Virendra Kumar said that today’s elders have contributed significantly to nation-building and stressed the importance of traditional joint family values. He highlighted government initiatives such as the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, which has benefited over 7 lakh seniors, the Elderline helpline (14567), and health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for citizens aged 70 and above.

Supreme Court Judge and NALSA Chairman Justice Surya Kant underlined that caring for senior citizens is a societal obligation, not charity. He called for stronger collaboration among ministries, legal authorities, and communities to ensure dignity and protection for the elderly.

Officials noted that India’s senior citizen population is expected to rise to 34 crore by 2050, adding urgency to strengthening support systems. The session brought together government representatives, the judiciary, academia, NGOs, lawyers and students to discuss the implementation of the MWPSC Act and the need for a more compassionate approach to elderly care.