Delhi Ministry

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FACILITIES GIVEN BY MINISTRY TO SENIOR CITIZENS

Under the provisions of the Bill, if a person who is responsible for the unkeep of parents falls to take care of them, he can attract punitive measures like three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000. The Bill also provides for option to revoke the will. The proposed bill would provide effective care and protection to the senior citizens and would provide speedy and inexpensive legal framework to grant them the required care. A meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Manmohan Singh gave its approval to the measure. The Maintainance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Bill 2006 will be introduced in the budget session of Parliament beginning on Friday, Information and Broadcasting Minister P.P. Dasmunshi told reporters. Under the provisions of the Bill anyone can complain to tribunals seeking relief for the senior citizens. The measures also provide for seting up of old age homes, medical facilities, protection to life and property of senior citizens and sensitise police forces regarding security.

Ministry of Rural Development

Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, Central Assistance of Rs. 75/- p.m. is granted to destitute older persons above 65 years. This Scheme has been transferred to the State Plan w.e.f. 2002-03.

Under the Annapurna Scheme, free food grains (wheat or rice) upto 10 kg. per month are provided to destitute older persons 65 years or above who are otherwise eligible for old age pension but are not receiving it.

Ministry of Finance

Section 88 of Finance Act, 1992, provides income tax rebate of upto Rs. 15,000 or actual tax whichever is less to senior citizens who have attained the age of 65 years at any time during the relevant previous year.

Senior Citizens are excluded from “One by Six” scheme for filing the Income Tax Return under proviso Section 139(1).

For Senior Citizen, the deduction in respect of medical insurance premia is upto Rs. 15,000/- under Section 80 D.

RBI has permitted higher rates of interest on saving schemes of Senior Citizens (persons having the age of 65 years and above). Accordingly, w.e.f. 15.05.01, Banks permitted 0.5 per cent higher rate of interest on fixed deposits.

Separate counters are marked for Senior Citizens at the time of filing the Income Tax Returns. Senior Citizens of the age of 65 year and above as on 31 st March of the assessment year, must be a pensioner and should come personally, get priority while submitting their Income Tax Returns. Besides, on the spot assessment facility is also provided.

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