Government should take proactive measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Act

In India, the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens are a matter of utmost importance. The Indian Constitution recognizes the rights of senior citizens and provides for their protection and care. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, was enacted to safeguard the interests of the elderly.
The Act provides for the maintenance of parents and senior citizens by their children and relatives. It mandates that the children and relatives must maintain their parents and senior citizens, who are unable to maintain themselves. The Act defines a senior citizen as a person who is 60 years or above, and a parent as a father or mother, whether biological, adoptive, or step-parent.
Under this Act, parents and senior citizens can claim maintenance from their children and relatives. The maintenance can be claimed for basic amenities like food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare. The Act also provides for the establishment of old age homes for the care of senior citizens who are abandoned or neglected by their children and relatives.
The Act also contains provisions for the protection of the property and assets of senior citizens. It mandates that any transfer of property by a senior citizen, in favour of their children or relatives, must be made with their consent. It also provides for the establishment of tribunals to adjudicate disputes regarding the maintenance and welfare of senior citizens.
The Act makes it mandatory for the government to provide medical facilities and security to senior citizens. The government must ensure that the medical needs of senior citizens are met and that they are provided with affordable healthcare services. It is also the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and security of senior citizens.
The Act is a significant step towards the welfare and protection of senior citizens in India. It has made it mandatory for children and relatives to take care of their parents and senior citizens and has also provided for their protection against abuse and neglect. The establishment of old age homes has provided a safe and secure environment for senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves.
However, the implementation of the Act has been slow and ineffective in many parts of the country. The tribunals set up to adjudicate disputes are often non-functional, and the process of claiming maintenance is cumbersome and time-consuming. There is a need for the government to take measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Act.
In conclusion, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, is an important legislation aimed at safeguarding the interests of senior citizens in India. It provides for the maintenance, welfare, and protection of senior citizens, and establishes their rights. However, there is a need for the government to take proactive measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Act and to create a more inclusive society where senior citizens are valued and respected.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Sheeraz Shafi