Budget: Want elderly counseling services, accessible infrastructure and minimum GST on products used by senior citizens
New Delhi: Analysis of budget expectations of senior citizens draws attention to their concern accessible infrastructure And higher rates of GST apply to many services and products used elderly among other things.
The analysis, based on a survey by Agewell Foundation, which included interactions with 10,000 elderly persons from different states, focuses on the aspirations of senior citizens in the current era marked by nuclear families. About 76% of older persons suggested that the government should exempt products and services like adult diapers and wheelchairs from GST or keep them in a lower GST rate slab. Almost 2/3 of the respondents (6785 out of 10000 respondents) were of the opinion that old age pension schemes should be more realistic and the monthly pension amount should be increased.
“According to the analysis conducted in mid-January, it was found that 76% of the elderly respondents acknowledged that due to the increasing elderly population, the government should pay attention to their special needs,” said Himanshu Rath, founding president of the foundation.
Rath said the survey showed that 52% of respondents were in favor of more tax-free investment options and financial safeguards, especially for older individuals.
65% of the respondents (6505 out of 10000 respondents) suggested that the government should make necessary provisions in the upcoming budget to provide and prioritize nutrient-kits every month to the elders of BPL families. Health care and support systems for older persons from deprived and marginalized sections.
This analysis points to concerns about accessibility of public spaces. About 71% of elderly respondents demanded the provision of age-friendly environments across the country, ensuring that public spaces and services are accessible to older persons. About 36% of the respondents also said that there should be home health services for the elderly.
Nearly one-third (32%) of the respondents wanted the government to ensure online counseling for all types of psychological/medical/financial/legal issues faced by older persons. Furthermore, given that many seniors want to work after retirement, the analysis reported that 37% of respondents suggested that the government should launch a scheme to create self-employment opportunities for senior citizens.
The foundation has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a petition highlighting the aspirations of the elderly from the budget. “Under the Social Pension Scheme, the monthly amount of old age pension should be revised as per the prevailing inflation. The present share of the Central Government in the monthly old age pension should be increased to Rs 5000 per month for each old person.” .The State Government should also be advised to revise its share accordingly,” the plea emphasised. The Foundation has also suggested that a self-employment scheme for the elderly is the need of the hour to tap the unexplored potential of older persons, who have the experience of working in old age, to keep themselves busy and connected. And most of all there is enthusiasm. Mainstream.
The analysis, based on a survey by Agewell Foundation, which included interactions with 10,000 elderly persons from different states, focuses on the aspirations of senior citizens in the current era marked by nuclear families. About 76% of older persons suggested that the government should exempt products and services like adult diapers and wheelchairs from GST or keep them in a lower GST rate slab. Almost 2/3 of the respondents (6785 out of 10000 respondents) were of the opinion that old age pension schemes should be more realistic and the monthly pension amount should be increased.
“According to the analysis conducted in mid-January, it was found that 76% of the elderly respondents acknowledged that due to the increasing elderly population, the government should pay attention to their special needs,” said Himanshu Rath, founding president of the foundation.
Rath said the survey showed that 52% of respondents were in favor of more tax-free investment options and financial safeguards, especially for older individuals.
65% of the respondents (6505 out of 10000 respondents) suggested that the government should make necessary provisions in the upcoming budget to provide and prioritize nutrient-kits every month to the elders of BPL families. Health care and support systems for older persons from deprived and marginalized sections.
This analysis points to concerns about accessibility of public spaces. About 71% of elderly respondents demanded the provision of age-friendly environments across the country, ensuring that public spaces and services are accessible to older persons. About 36% of the respondents also said that there should be home health services for the elderly.
Nearly one-third (32%) of the respondents wanted the government to ensure online counseling for all types of psychological/medical/financial/legal issues faced by older persons. Furthermore, given that many seniors want to work after retirement, the analysis reported that 37% of respondents suggested that the government should launch a scheme to create self-employment opportunities for senior citizens.
The foundation has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a petition highlighting the aspirations of the elderly from the budget. “Under the Social Pension Scheme, the monthly amount of old age pension should be revised as per the prevailing inflation. The present share of the Central Government in the monthly old age pension should be increased to Rs 5000 per month for each old person.” .The State Government should also be advised to revise its share accordingly,” the plea emphasised. The Foundation has also suggested that a self-employment scheme for the elderly is the need of the hour to tap the unexplored potential of older persons, who have the experience of working in old age, to keep themselves busy and connected. And most of all there is enthusiasm. Mainstream.
