THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Additional Advocate General and Special Officer for protecting the rights of senior citizens, V K Beeran, on Monday said the law of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act passed in Parliament in 2007 was yet to reach the public domain.
In a press conference, he expressed serious concern over the shabby treatment meted out to senior citizens by their children.
“The law is not being enforced properly. Thousands of senior citizens are ignored by their families. During the later stage of life, they are ignored by their children who ought to care for them. Senior citizens are also denied of basic rights in airports, railway stations,trains and buses. Even in government offices they do not get their due,” he said.
Beeran pointed out that various social justice officers entrusted with the sitting on hearing their grievances had suggested that deputy collectors could be assigned charge of social justice officers.
Several activities are being conducted for the welfare of senior citizens with due assistance from the state since Beeran’s appointment.