Senior citizens asset of society: Minister Pradhan

Bhaktapur: Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Riddhibaba Joshi, has said that senior citizens are the assets of the society.

Inaugurating a two-day training related to management of old age here today, Minister Joshi said that it was necessary to make rightful management of valuable knowledge and skill of the senior citizens.

She pointed out the need of amending provisions related to facility of senior citizens in policy-level, as there is a provision of providing facilities to senior citizens only after 70 years of age by the state even if the law states that those above 60 are senior citizens.

Admitting that a policy giving rightful justice could not be made, Minister Joshi said that the government has forwarded different services including free treatment to senior citizens.

She pointed out the need of building paid elderly homes due to changing times and society.

On the occasion, Joint Secretary at the Ministry, Purna Bhakta Tandukar, said that senior citizens are not only the national problem but also seen as an international problem and added that attention should be paid to minimize problems seen in the society.

Similarly, Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur, Himnath Dawadi, said that situation of the senior citizens of being helpless has come due to the increasing trend of sons and daughters going abroad.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 8, 2013