We save forts, places of worship, and old cities, the whole world preserves its monuments. But it is also recognised that ‘humans’ are an important part of the heritage. Some individuals are like forts of courage, and struggle. Many humans are like cities knowledge and wisdom. Most of them are those who pass on traditions as parents, scholars etc. In the current social set up these human monuments of heritage are the older people. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed a holiday on October 1, 1991, to acknowledge and to raise awareness about the factors and issues affecting the older generation.
The recognition of Senior Citizens and their needs has taken place in almost all civilised countries including India. In Pakistan ‘The Sindh Senior Citizens Welfare Act, 2014’, was passed. This bill passed by the Sindh Assembly is comprehensive and is cognizant of all relevant factors. However, the implementation of the bill is sadly lacking.
In addition to this, a bill was introduced in the Senate as ‘The Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Board Act, 2017’.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his much appreciated opening address promised a ‘welfare state’ that would create hope for the nation. It will be beneficial for all of if the subject of Senior Citizens is comprehensively reviewed.
The elders should continue to be socially relevant. A system of ‘honourary magistrates’ could be introduced to help government functionaries and local bodies. Some could be included in advisory capacities set up by the departments
The issues that need to be highlighted are medical, economy, dignity, contribution to society and lastly housing. Firstly, medical cards should be available to all seniors irrespective of age. These medical cards should be valid in all government supported hospitals, clinics etc. They should cover the doctor’s fees, hospitalisation, investigation, procedures etc. In case the card holder wishes to be treated at a place other than the government supported facility, then the card holder should be asked to contribute 25 percent or more of the total cost.
Secondly, there is a minority of seniors who have private resources and they are not dependent on government facilities. There are also elders who are entitled to pensions, provident funds and other benefits from their employers. Their needs may be different from others. However, a substantial number is dependant on investment schemes provided by the Government through National Saving Centers.
The most relevant scheme for the seniors are the Behbood Certificates. These certificates are available for a 10 year term at a time, and the profit is free from income tax deduction. The rate of profit is also higher than other investment schemes anywhere. However there is a limitation on the amount that can be invested. The current limit is 50 lacs.
The Behbood schemes, if carefully reviewed and improved, can be a truly helpful scheme for the elderly and can fit into the scheme of making the country a social welfare state as intended by the Prime Minister.
However, this can be improved by focusing on the best rate of profit which was earned in 2008. It was 16.8 percent per annum but it kept being reduced. This scheme is most relevant to provide a hassle-free, secure and legal source of cash flow. This cash flow helps the elderly in meeting day to day expenses and to not be entirely dependent. But the downward revision of profit rates, and the higher cost of living and inflation are counterproductive and discriminatory. It is recommended that the rate of interest must be maintained at which it was in 2008, and considering the inflation and the higher cost of current living, the limit of investment be should, in fact, be increased to at least 100 lacs, and preferably 150 lacs per investment. This would provide about RS 150000 per month to the elderly and enable them to live life comfortably and with dignity. Furthermore, the Government Pensioners can draw a greater benefit if they have the funds to invest because then, they can buy the certificates twice.
Thirdly, the senior citizen’s dignity and contribution to society also needs to be underscored. The elders should continue to be socially relevant. A system of ‘honorary magistrates’ could be introduced to help government functionaries and local bodies. Some could be included in advisory capacities set up by the departments. Moreover, they could be made members of clubs at concessional membership fees, and some with distinguished experience could be engaged as consultants for a national advisory committee.
Lastly, the issue of housing is also very important. In most of the civilised countries, including India; seniors who own a house are provided the facility of ‘reverse mortgage’. Which means that these elders can live in their house, but have to mortgage the house for an estimated life expectancy. At the end of the term of the mortgage, they can keep receiving an amount and after their demise; the immediate family has the option to pay back the loan and retain the house. This enables the elders to live in their house until the end.
Other elders who do not own a house should be provided subsidised housing and care. It should include nursing if required and medical benefits. In India, it is mandatory for the children to look after their parents to provide love, affection, care and a sense of security. If the young fail to do so it is mostly treated as a cognizable offence. Furthermore, in eastern societies family is still respected. Moreover, in our society Islam is used to highlight the importance of ‘Haqooq Ul Ibad’ which the young should be made aware of.
Elders, spend their best years taking care of the young by providing them security, guidance, education, care and love. In their old age, the seniors ask for the same.
These suggestions are based on the better values prevalent in the world and in line with religious guidelines. Indeed, my suggestions can be improved in their implementation and methodology, but cannot be and should not be ignored. I, as a member of Pakistan Seniors Citizens Association which is affiliated with the United Nations Elderly Network and other international organisations, feel that Pakistanis as a nation need to fulfill their responsibility.
It should also be remembered that the generation which is the subject of this article is the generation which was involved in the struggle to make Pakistan an independent nation.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]
Published in Daily Times, October 4th 2018.