ANI |
Updated: November 28, 2024 04:25 STI

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) (India), November 28 (ANI): The Kerala Cabinet has decided to issue an ordinance for setting up the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission, Education Minister R Bindu said Higher Education and Social Justice, during a press conference. Wednesday.
The move responds to growing concerns about neglect, exploitation and other challenges faced by older adults.
The commission will focus on the welfare and protection of older people, ensuring their rights are protected, addressing issues such as rehabilitation and social inclusion, and using their skills for the benefit of society , added Bindu.
The order defines the framework for the formation of the commission, which will consist of a chairman and a maximum of three members appointed by government notification. All members, including the president, will be senior citizens. Additionally, one member must belong to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, and another must be female.

The headquarters of the commission will be in Thiruvananthapuram. A government official of the rank of additional secretary or above will act as secretary, while a joint secretary level official from the law department will act as registrar. A deputy secretary-level official from the Department of Finance will serve as the finance officer.
The chairman, who will have the status of secretary to the government, will supervise the daily functions and administration of the commission with the help of the other members. Members will be entitled to honoraria and allowances for attending meetings.
The president and members will serve a term of three years from the date of their appointment. The commission is authorized to invite subject matter experts as special guests for specific cases or discussions, although these guests do not have voting rights.
The commission will propose recommendations and guidelines for the welfare and protection of older people, contribute to rehabilitation efforts, provide legal aid where necessary and undertake initiatives to integrate the skills of older people into the community. It can also forward its findings and recommendations to the government for action or dispute resolution.
Bindu stressed that the establishment of the commission underlines the government’s commitment to meeting the needs of the elderly and ensuring their dignity and well-being. (ANI)