The National Policy on Older Persons, announced in January 1999, is still relevant and valid. It envisages State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter, protection and other needs of older persons to improve quality of their lives. This Policy is valid till it is changed or updated.

With age, senior citizens need a caring family and affordable healthcare facilities. Various schemes and programmes, including Income Tax concessions and pensions to senior citizens, Inter-generational bonding etc are being implemented to enable senior citizens to lead a normal life.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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MG/RNM