GOOD NEWS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Budget 2008 brings with it some relief for Senior citizens. Here are some highlights:

•          For senior women citizens, the income tax limit increases from Rs. 1.95 lakh to Rs. 2.25 lakh.

•          Three schemes to be introduced for providing social security to unorganized sector workers.

•          A national programme for the elderly to be started at a cost of Rs. 400 crore.

•          Rashtra Swasthya Beema Yojana to start from April one in Delhi and Haryana. Rs 30,000 for each family belonging to unorganized sector.

For over over a decade we have been writing to the Union Finance Minister to keep the welfare of the Aged in mind while drafting the Union budget. This sustained advocacy has led to a visible increase in the allocation for Senior Citizens. HelpAge is a member of the National Council of Older Persons and also part of the draft committee for the 5-year plans.