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Spent citizens

by Rinku Khumukcham
0 comment 2 minutes read

The state was shocked by the unfortunate event of a lady pensioner fainting to her death while being baked in the sun, having made to wait her turn for the pension. What was more shocking was the alacrity with which the Social Welfare Department officials condole with the death. Tragic as the incident turned out to be, but the result has been long in the making. The indifference and apathy of the state government towards the plight of the elders is nothing new. There has been a hue and cry about the pathetic conditions in which the elders, many of whom were once in positions of power themselves, were made to live out the fag end of their lives, having have to struggle and bear innumerable obstacles and unnecessary rebukes, scorns and insulting snide in their attempt to receive their rightful claim from the various government departments. All too often, the so called schemes and welfare measures announced by the government for the elders, whether at the centre or at the state with much pomp and fanfare, turns out to be more of a populist move designed not so much to alleviate the conditions of these senior citizens, as they are to make a statement about the intent and advertise the largesse of those who wield the power to do so. The sight of countless elders leaning, squatting or splay-legged in snaking lines outside banks and various other places has often sparked the uneasy feeling of the foreboding and frustration at the inhumane attitude and indifference of their suffering. Hopefully, the government and those officials responsible for drawing up plans and policies have learnt their lesson and will devise ways to mitigate or remove such unnecessary burden on those who have given so much to the society. It would not take much effort or resource to find ways and means to come up with ways to do things differently for the elders which can make their remaining lives one of relaxed and easy living. All it would perhaps require will be, at most, a genuine concern for their welfare and comfort, an effort to look at things from their point of view and a lot of respect and sincerity in their dealings with these senior citizens. Perhaps, while the state government and its departments are at it, it would be a great achievement for itself if it can establish old-age homes which can accommodate and provide relief and a place for relaxation for these elders. We still have so much to learn from their experiences and suggestions. It would be plain foolish and stupid on our part and of the government to treat them as spent force when we can benefit and progress from their invariably rich experiences, suggestions and studied opinions laced with wisdom.

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