Kottayam: Our governments have passed many laws and welfare schemes to ensure the well-being of old people and senior citizens. Those over sixty are generally considered senior citizens and are eligible for these schemes and services. Senior citizens can demand monthly maintenance and support from their children. If they are denied maintenance, they can file a complaint with the specially appointed tribunal. These are some of the welfare schemes for the senior citizens.
Vayo Raksha: This scheme is for senior citizens below the poverty line who suffer financial and physical difficulties. It includes primary health care, emergency surgery, essential medical instruments, and food and medical care for victims of natural disasters.
Vayo Madhuram: Free glucometer for poor senior citizens. Application along with a doctor’s certificate should be submitted to the district social justice department.
Vayo Mithram: Senior citizens above 65 who reside in urban areas would get access to free mobile clinics, counselling, medical care, and medicines (apply through Anganwadi or block panchayat officials).
Mandahasam: Project aims to provide free dentures for senior citizens above 60 who are below poverty line.
Sayamprabha Home: These are care homes like the ones run by local bodies. Senior citizens can avail themselves of various facilities and services here.
Elder Line
Senior citizens can dial the toll-free helpline number 14567 for help. Calls can be made to this number from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for various purposes, including enquiries about welfare schemes.
Do not forget these numbers:
1) Office of district social justice department, Mini Civil Station, Kottayam. Ph – 0481 2563980
2) Maintenance Tribunal Presiding Officer (sub collector), Kottayam, Ph – 0481 2562315
3) To know about the various social welfare mission service projects, call toll free number 18001201001
Police at your service
1) Police have the provision to place patta books at places where senior citizens live alone.
2) Police work along with NGOs to transfer old people who suffer difficulties to shelter homes.
3) Senior citizen cell in police stations to address the grievances of old people.
4) As per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a prior court order should be secured to arrest a senior citizen above 60 if he / she has been charged with offences that could invite up to three years of imprisonment.
Dreams Setters
Dreams Setters is an organisation that has been working for the welfare of senior citizens since 2003. The organisation's directors are social worker AP Thomas and his wife, Mini Thomas, a retired teacher. They actively work to ensure the welfare of old people. Their office is at Shastri Road, where meetings are held for old people every month. Phone: 9447114328.