Listen to the senior citizens
The Himalayan Times
8
April 2014
Listen to the senior
citizens
The government’s apathy towards addressing
the demands of senior citizens must have by now drawn the attention of all the
people as reported in “Agitating elders remind state of promises not kept”
(THT, April 7, Page 2). They have been peacefully staging their protest for the
last one year in the premises of Department of Transport. It is heard that five
members of senior citizen struggle committee have already passed away during
this period of one year.
Included in their demands are free medical
treatment, separate wards in the hospitals, monthly allowance of 3000/- and 50 per
cent discount in public transport fare. They have also demanded subsidy in
essential commodities, 50 per cent discount in land and house taxes, drinking
water, electricity and phone bills. It does not seem that unnecessary things
have been included in their demands. However, whether it is possible to fulfil their
demands depends fully upon the government.
Since the government has not shown any
interest or indication whether it is ready to listen to their voices, the
agitating struggle committee has decided to stage more stern protest in the
days to come. The Apex Court had ordered the government and the concerned authorities
to implement the policies adopted for the senior citizens in 2010. But, none of
the past government bothered to abide by the Apex Court decision. It is really
sad to see the government being irresponsible and insensible. Why does not the
government sit with the agitating parties and amicably settle the disputes at
the soonest possible before the occurrence of any unwanted incidents?
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.
