The Delhi government on Monday decided to set up an appellate authority - Senior Citizens Council, to address grievances of the elderly. This will provide an opportunity to the affected senior citizens who feel dissatisfied with the already functional nine Tribunals in the state under the maintenance and welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Also, at least two senior citizens’ Recreation Centres in each constituency will be established.

While chairing a meeting of newly constituted council, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that the government is committed to sincerely implement the Act to ensure social security to the aged citizens. The meeting was also attended by other cabinet ministers - Finance Minister Dr. A.K. Walia, Labour Minister Mangat Ram Singhal, Health Minister Kiran Walia and Education Minister Arvinder Singh.

Dikshit also directed to the Department of Social Welfare to come out with a guide which may carry all information about facilities and opportunities being offered to the senior citizens under various schemes. She added that the government has decided to increase the number of beneficiaries under Old Age Pension Schemes from 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh from this year.

The government has been releasing a monthly pension of Rs.1000 to its senior citizens, which is highest in the country. It has also been granting one time assistance of Rs.50,000 along with monthly assistance of Rs.18,000, which is likely to be enhanced to Rs.20,000.

Also, the health department under Delhi government has opened Sunday Clinics with diagnostic facilities in every government hospital, where a nodal officer has also been appointed. ASHA workers will contact senior citizens to know about their health problems and take necessary steps.

The police have a Senior Citizens’ Security Cell and a dedicated helpline with 1291 as number. There is a separate Control Room for senior citizens which provides assistance in case of medical emergency by making arrangement of an ambulance and assistance in case of any mechanical break-down. In all 9603 senior citizens are registered with the Delhi Police. The Delhi Police has been distributing printed material to bring awareness on senior citizens’ security. The state government has decided to make it mandatory inclusion of senior citizens in District Level Police Committee.