Sunday, January 22 2006 09:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Concerned over the problems faced by elderly people,Government is formulating a draft legislation for promoting care, maintenance and protection of senior citizens.

The proposed legislation includes provision of need-based maintenance, minimum level of financial security, old age pension, setting up a well-equipped ward in each district hospital and at least one old-age home in each district, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment sources told sources.

The Bill also has a provision for protection of life and property of older people.

They said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government's policies and programmes in the area of social defence were aimed at protection of people who are particularly vulnerable, like elder persons, children in need of care and protection and victims of abuse andalcoholism.

Referring to the Government initiatives in the areas, the sources said a National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP) was already in place, which contains the principal area of 'intervention and action' strategy to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and their other needs.

The National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) aids and advises the government on policies and programmes for older persons and provides the feedback to it on the implementation of the national policy, they said.