TRIVANDRUM, 28 November 2004 — The Kerala government has released a draft for comprehensive legislation to protect the state’s aging population and make their children care for them.
The draft says that both male and female children, depending on their financial positions, will be equally responsible for their parents’ welfare. Those who neglect their parents will be prosecuted.
Special attention will be given to the poor and the rural population. Older people without children will receive government support and care whenever needed.
Children who care for their aged parents will receive concessions on water, power, building and other taxes.
Public transport and all public places will be made accessible by law to the physically challenged. Those who escort them will receive fare concessions.
Old people whose income puts them below the poverty line will get free rations and health insurance.
The retired population will be given jobs such as teaching kindergarten. Government hospital staff will undergo special training in geriatric care and hospitals will be equipped to meet the challenges.
Private hospitals will be obligated to reserve 10 percent of their total capacity for affordable geriatric care. Free checkups, periodic clinical care and hearing and visual aids are also part of the package.
A special police force will be established under district administrations to protect against “domestic violence”. Police will be instructed to give greater attention to these calls. Citizens above the age of 60 will be issued a multipurpose identity card containing all their personal details including their medical histories.
Kerala, a southern Indian state, boasts a life expectancy comparable to that in many developed countries. At present some 10 percent of its population is above 60 but his figure is expected to double by 2026.
