The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (M/O SJE) has consistently been at the forefront of promoting the welfare of senior citizens in India. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Birendra Kumar will be the chief guest at the International Day of The Elderly 2024 to be held in New Delhi tomorrow. Minister of State (SJE) B.L. Verma will be the guest of honour on the occasion.
In keeping with this commitment, The International Day of The Elderly 2024 will be celebrated on October 1, with a comprehensive programme to honour the contributions of senior citizens and promote their welfare. The aim is to promote the active participation of the public, civil society and other government bodies and to increase awareness. It also aims to emphasise the importance of international bonds, recognise the invaluable contributions of senior citizens and create awareness about their welfare.India signed the Political Declaration of the 2nd UNITED NATIONS General Assembly in Madrid, Spain and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging (2002). On October 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 1 as International Day of the Elderly. In 1982, on the basis of the International Plan of Action, the General Assembly adopted the UN policy for older persons. Freedom, participation, care, self-fulfillment and respect were the four principles. The UNITED NATIONS decade 2021-30 has also been declared as a decade of healthy age, and the SDG(3) aligns with the Goal of Good Health and Wellness. Prior to the Madrid plan, India had prepared the National Policy on Old Persons (NPOP) on May 19.
Major activities to be organized by MoSJE in October 2024:
1. Events that took place on October 1, 2024:
a. Main event: Various programmes including swearing-in ceremony and distribution of help and support equipment to senior citizens will be held in the presence of HMSJE at an educational institution in New Delhi.
Rashtriya Bioshree Camp: In the presence of HMSJE, camps will be organized at 51 different locations across India. The camp will focus on providing supportive devices and necessary care to senior citizens, enhancing their mobility and overall well-being.
2. Inter-Ministerial Cooperation: A letter has been written to various Ministries including Women and Child Development, Education, Rural Development, Tourism, Home Affairs, AYUSH to initiate specific programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of senior citizens. This includes programmes that involve self-help groups in rural areas, especially with an emphasis on international bonds and family values.
The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) will launch a talk series on October 16 on various issues, including the rights, welfare of senior citizens and the importance of healthy and active old age.
3.Programmes/Activities by Regional Resource Training Centre (RRTC): RRTCs under the Senior Citizens Department of the Ministry to promote the welfare of senior citizens such as walkathon, talk series, youth/children’s rallies, promise giving in universities/colleges/institutions, awareness sessions, competitions, banners, fairs and sports/cultural programmes. In order to ensure widespread celebrations, NGOs receiving funds from MoSJE and in charge of maintaining old age homes will organise special programmes like cultural programmes, folk art exhibitions and interactive sessions in their respective old age homes
5. MyGov Quiz and Pledge Campaign:
a. The nationwide quiz on the rights and welfare schemes of senior citizens has started on the MyGov platform. The quizzes will create awareness among all age groups, especially the youth, about the importance of respecting and caring for older people.
b. The commitment dedicated to MyGov will invite citizens to commit to ensuring respect, respect and well-being for senior citizens of their communities.
6.Launch of Senior Citizen Welfare Portal: A senior citizen welfare portal will be launched soon. The portal will serve as a comprehensive platform for senior citizens to disseminate information about schemes, policies and welfare measures.
7. Mega Cultural Event: On October 24, a cultural programme titled ‘Celebrating Graciful Aging: Life from 60’ will highlight the performance of 70-year-old artists, active adulthood, Guru Shishya Paramapada, international unity, Indian traditional care and respect system. read more
