Awareness on LSA held

From A Correspondent

Tura, April 27: Considering the need to protect the rights of senior citizens and the right to live with dignity as guaranteed by the constitution of India under Article 21, different Ministries under the Central Government have come up with different schemes for senior citizens.

The provision of the scheme was sensitized during an awareness programme on LSA (tiol Legal Service Authority) (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016 held today at the Office Chamber of District and Session Judge, West Garo Hills Tura. The first of its kind being held in the district would be expanded to block and village level later on.

In his speech, I Rymbui, Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Secretary highlighted the background, legislative framework, objective and plan of action about “LSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016”. He further informed that as per the scheme the persons above the age of 60 years have been considered as senior citizens and are entitled to obtain various facilities as per the provisions of the scheme.

Several necessary provisions of the scheme such as rebate in income tax, deduction in respect of medical insurance premium upto Rs 30, 000/- under 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961, deduction under section 80D for treatment of specified ailment is Rs. 60, 000/- for senior citizens; “Senior Citizens Saving Scheme” offering an interest of 9 per cent at post office; Indira Gandhi tiol Old Age Pension Scheme;  discount on basic fare for domestic flights in economy class and priority in boarding the flights;  concession for purchase/ booking or cancellation of railway tickets, priority for lower berths; reservation of two seats in front rows of buses of State Road Transport Undertakings and even fare concession for senior citizens, separate counters for senior citizens in hospitals, banks and other department or institutions, priority to expedite court cases of senior citizens was emphasized for the benefit of the senior citizens.

Rymbui have urged all departments especially, service providers to implement the scheme by organizing orientation programmes in order to ensure access to basic rights and benefits accorded to senior citizens.

President, Senior Citizens Forum Tura, W G Momin had also raised various issues and concerns faced by senior citizens while availing their entitlements and day to day activities. He felt it necessary that the concept of senior citizen and their rights should be sensitized first for successful implementation of the scheme meant for senior citizens.

Earlier in the programme, District & Session Judge cum Chairman, District Legal Service Authority (DSLA), Tura Shri  A M Ripr gave the introductory and welcome speech while Smti. J Chetry Public Prosecutor and Member, DLSA proposed the vote of thanks.