Senior citizens and welfare associations in Telangana have urged the State government to create a dedicated welfare corporation for older people and provide free bus travel, while officials outlined existing measures covering pensions, caregiving, legal support, emergency assistance and shelter.
The demands were raised at an International Day of Older Persons programme in Hyderabad on Thursday. Participants also sought special identity cards, improved medical facilities and stronger financial security for senior citizens.
SC/ST Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman said the government had decided to train 1,700 individuals in geriatric caregiving to build a skilled workforce for elderly care. He said 30 day-care centres had been established across Telangana to support the physical and mental well-being of older people.
According to the 2011 Census figures cited by the Minister, Telangana had 32.69 lakh elderly people out of a total population of 3.53 crore. The figures underline the scale of public services required for a population that may need assistance with healthcare, mobility, income security, shelter and protection from neglect.
The State has also simplified the process for filing cases before maintenance tribunals, which deal with complaints involving the care and support of senior citizens. Last year, 2,505 maintenance cases were filed and 1,346 were resolved. Of the 409 appeals submitted before the appellate tribunal, 234 were settled.
Authorities also reported progress in cases seeking the transfer of property back to parents from children who had allegedly neglected them. Of the 209 cases filed before authorities headed by District Collectors, 135 had been resolved. Fifteen of the 18 appeals filed before the appellate authority were also settled.
The toll-free helpline 14567 is available for emergency assistance to senior citizens, Minister Laxman said. The service handles issues including harassment, neglect, loneliness and the need for shelter. Field-level support teams respond and provide assistance when required, according to the Minister.
Income support remains another component of the State’s elderly welfare system. Under the Cheyutha pension programme, the government provides a monthly pension of Rs 2,016 to 15.60 lakh eligible elderly persons.
Officials said old-age homes were being established in phases across all 33 districts. These facilities are intended to provide safe shelter, clothing, nutritious food and basic amenities to destitute or neglected elderly people. At present, 10 old-age homes are being managed, officials said.
The demands for free bus travel and a dedicated welfare corporation would add a broader institutional and mobility component to the existing arrangements. The appeals came as government representatives presented current initiatives in caregiving, day-care services, pensions, legal remedies, emergency response and residential support for Telangana’s elderly population.
