Letter.

Letter  Published in Gulf News UAE on 3 Sep 16,Tough life for seniors

In the global scenario, most countries are taking care of their senior citizens with healthcare and pensions. Despite many developments in India, senior citizens are not taken care of. Recent statistics also reveals in the print media that India is lagging in pensions. Today with the mounting inflation and the drastic reduction in the bank deposits interest rates, most senior citizens, like me, who are not getting pensions are most affected. The government has completely neglected senior citizens who have contributed their share for the country’s development when they were young. Recently, the government has revised the pay hikes for the retired government servants and this should be applauded, but at the same time, the government should think about the senior citizens who are not getting a pension, but fully depending on their bank deposit interest for their livelihood.

Cost of living is also growing and the medical expenses, including drugs, are also growing. It makes senior citizens panic. At the retirement age, one should have a peaceful life without much worry. This is the normal expectation. I appeal to my government to rethink the bank interest rate to the old structure, which will help all who are not getting a pension and need to meet their monthly requirements. I hope the Indian government will act on this valid issue.

From Mr K. Ragavan

Bengaluru, India