Towards A Society For All Ages

Dr. Rao V.B.J. Chelikani,

President, Federation of A.P. Senior Citizens Organisations (FAPSCO)

Why a society for all ages?

In traditional societies, all persons performing economic functions are transformed, over a period of time, into hierarchical social sections at inter-community level and genuine social welfare of all sections of the society, age-wise or gender-wise has not been accomplished, if their economic contribution is not perceived to be significant. Similarly, within the same clan or caste or class or family also some categories of members have been neglected, discriminated against and even victimized. In the human evolution, at an earlier phase, security, stability and harmony among different social groups, communities and societies as defended entities have been considered to be of highest importance. While maintaining these priorities, often, depending upon the cultural, political and economic context, some members of the society, such as, women, children, aged persons, handicapped, fatally sick, those affected by contagious diseases, foreigners or outsiders, persons with social or sexual deviations have been marginalized.

But now, in the 21^st century, we have reached such a stage in our social evolution with vast knowledge in physical and natural sciences, information and communication technologies and in humane and spiritual values that we need not sacrifice the human being i.e, the individual member of the society for the sake of the society. We are now thinking in terms of human security and social security as a means to it. All individuals, irrespective of their economic functions, muscle power, authority and outside identity are recognized as of equal worth. Each individual counts and his or her own empowerment, expression, development and finality cannot be abridged for the benefit of anybody else. Each individual must be able to give a meaning to his or her life and design one’s own destiny. We want right or adequate opportunities not only for physical welfare but also for emotional, affective and mental satisfactions. No dogma or ideology or social and cultural practices should take away this fundamental human freedom. The on-going demographic challenges also have added an urgent dimension to the issue. We need an open society, not a securitized one.  In the past, it was the individuals of certain sections and categories that sacrificed themselves for the security of the societies and, now, we want the governments and the societies to strive for the welfare of each individual, whatever might be the age, gender, caste, religion or region. It is in this context that we are taking up the issue of the condition and the role of the older persons in the modern society.

II. What are the Policy Projections?

The concept of welfare state and most of the recent democratic constitutions in the developing countries have laid down provisions in favour of such an evolution of the society. It is with this realization that the best thinking available from governmental and non-governmental international organizations under the guidance of the U.N. System  have been observing Days, Years and Decades of Women, Child and Senior Citizens, etc. Concerning the conditions of the elders in the society, right from a world conference in 1982 in Vienna to a conference in 2002 in Madrid, much reflection has taken place and recommendations are proposed as plans for action in order to usher in a society for all ages. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons in 1991 and the Proclamation on Ageing and the Global Targets on Ageing in 1992 adopted by the General Assembly have inspired the Government of India, in addition to its constitutional mandate ordained in the Directive Principles of state policy, so as to take a commitment in Parliament by passing the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) in 1999. The policy statement is, rather, a vision statement of lofty objectives rather than of concrete guidelines for action, though each department was indicated as to what could be done. As a follow up, however, a number of national level bodies are created and financial allocations are, consequently, being made at the Centre. Therein, the states are enjoined to take the necessary steps to implement the Policy as well as to adopt a draft Plan of Action for 2000-2005.

In Andhra Pradesh, even before 1999, there were, already, a number of voluntary associations of pensioners and of senior citizens working at the grass roots level, in many important towns and cities. As early as in 1998, efforts have been made in Hyderabad to form a state level common platform of various organizations in Andhra Pradesh, to work together, in close communication with international non-governmental organizations situated abroad. Among the issues that concern the elders, we can mention finance, shelter, health, food and leisure as the priorities.

Founding and maintaining of old age homes has been one of the very concrete activities since very long time. Efforts were made to bring together some of the organizers of the old age homes to put together their common experience so as to meet the upsurge in the demand for the homes for elders, paid and paid and supported by government or not. As a reflection of the demographic and sociological changes that are taking place in society in Andhra Pradesh, there emerges a demand for a new social organization in the place of the old homes for the destitute, sick and un-attended elders, on charitable basis. Already, there is awareness that the word ‘old age home’ does not correspond, anymore, to the reality and that several able-bodied and alert-minded senior citizens need alternative quality accommodation and services as retired persons. Nevertheless, there is persisting and, even, increasing demand for free or highly subsidized homes for the poor and the disabled persons both in urban and rural areas. This need is being met traditionally by religious organisations, charitable trusts, NGOs and by the central government funds routed through the state government. Some surveys and evaluation of the functioning of the OAH were carried out and a comprehensive directory of the elders homes in A.P. was published in 2002. There is now in the state, a federation of organizers of elders homes in A.P. (FEDEHAP) to represent their interests.

III. What is Happening?

            Social transformation is a long and subtle process where bringing changes in the attitudes is far more complicated than creatinging physical assets. Further, one cannot bring happiness to one section or category of the society, for example, to elders, without comprehensive and integrated social development. It is necessary to add a note of caution that social activists should not fall into the trap of taking the elder cause in the spirit of a class struggle or a vested interest. Their efforts have to be integrated into the on-going process of inclusive growth. This advocacy mission lies with the associations of the senior citizens. More gerontological research is needed to back their action.

Since, 1999 onwards, on 1^st October, the World Elders Day (WED) is being observed by the common platform of NGOs in the capital city as well as in some districts. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially nominated the Commissioner, Disabled Welfare as State Nodal Officer for the implementation of NPOP in April, 2002. Since then, the WED is being observed jointly by the state government and the federation of senior citizens organizations. Across the districts, the senior citizens are being given identity cards with A.P. Government emblem, which are endorsed by a district level officer. The Federation has been encouraging the district collectors to observe the WED at the district head-quarters also. The Federation has been identifying a few eminent senior citizens, every year, to be honoured for their contribution to the society, at district, state and national levels, under the auspices of the Administration. And in February, 2003, the GOAP has formed a State Council for the elderly to coordinate inter-departmental and multi-sectoral activities with the Chief Secretary as the chairperson. Unfortunately, it has not been meeting regularly.

To the two objectives of the Federation: Society for Elders and Elders for Society, there came a third objective from the local HelpAge India’s campaign: Elders for Elders.

The costs of healthcare and medical treatment are increasing exponentially and the governmental efforts are largely insufficient and targeted only a limited sections and categories of the people. In view of this, the Federation has been, in cooperation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA), is negotiating with the non-life insurance companies to bring out policies that would suits the needs and the pockets of the senior citizens. The nature of market competition being what it is, policies and premium are becoming more and more accessible to more number of senior citizens. The problem of health care is particularly acute for the first and second generations, born after Independence, as there were no schemes or policies of health insurance available to a vast majority of them, at that time. The Arogya Sri insurance caters to the below poverty line section of the people and the same could be extended in future to cover other elders in other sections also, with matching contributory system. The alternative and supplementary systems of medical care and treatment are to be made more accessible for healthy ageing. Middle class elders are also severely affected by the rising costs of treatment.

For the BPL elders there is a pension scheme, there is public distribution system and there is Annapoorna scheme. In addition to the former Antyodaya scheme, now, there is the Food Security Act. For the above poverty line elders (ABL) there are direct tax concessions and higher interest rate for all. The recently introduced reverse mortgage scheme did not yet catch the imagination of the seniors who are reluctant to part with their hard earned house, even after their death. Many senior citizens need higher levels of economic literacy so as to safeguard and fructify their savings without risks. The Maintenance and Welfare of the Senior Citizens and Parents Act has provided some guidelines of legal action in case of neglect or abandonment by the children. Some measures are also envisaged for their safety and security.

Arrangements for housing for elders as a separate section have failed from the public sector. Indira Awas Yojana offers pattas of house sites instead of allotment of ready houses or flats by the Housing Boards. But, houses and flats in the multi-storied buildings by the private builders have been coming in handy for the middle class elders. We have not yet progressed in obtaining a shelter for less than five lakh rupees for the lower middle classes.

The organized senior citizens have also become active in the governance issues that are being debated in the state to bring a responsible, transparent and accountable administration. They have been carrying out Election Watch activities, championed the cause of the Citizens Charters and promoted the enactment and later on the implementation of Right to Information. They have drafted and proposed the rules and regulations to be adopted by the state government for the Maintenance & Welfare of the Senior Citizens and Parents Act, 2008. Similar draft proposals of rules and regulations are made to the Central enactments on Community Participation Law as well as to the Gram Nyayalayas. Within and without the political framework, the ‘grey power’ has ample channels to express itself.  

Since 2007, an initiative taken by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, under its programme called Aasara, which is supported by HelpAge India, has permitted to develop a best practice, which could be replicated in all the municipalities and corporations in the state. 

                        From the above, some assessment could be made so as to identify the trends for the future. The civil society, national and international, has become aware of the emerging phenomenon of the senior citizens much before the governments. Governmental policies and schemes have, more or less, ‘covered’ the senior citizens of the BPL category, though implementation is far from being satisfactory. Elders who worked in the organized sector do have some security. For rest of the population of elders who are about 70%, their social needs are changing so fast and are so varied that they cannot be met by the Administration. Senior citizens’ organizations and institutions as well as the public and private sector firms, including the insurance firms, have to interact for mutual benefit, with final arbitration lying with the governmental regulatory bodies. More innovative schemes are needed to re-integrate the elders into the families and into the mainstream society, while upholding their private space. All social infrastructure has to become elder-friendly.

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