Already reeling under severe financial crunch after undertaking hugely popular Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana 

 

Current situation of Maharashtra Government seems to be like, Once bitten, twice shy, especially when it comes to undertaking any new welfare measure in the State. Already reeling under severe financial crunch after undertaking hugely popular Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, Government refused to bite the bullet when a proposal was mooted to undertake new measures for welfare of the senior citizens, given their rising numbers. With inflation eroding the savings, at times, senior citizens find themselves in helpless situation, as can be seen in any urban area where often they end up begging on the road. A Bill was tabled in State Legislature, it suggested provision of Rs 7,000/month stipend, free health treatment in Government/Semi Government hospital, Rs 15,000 allowance for undertaking pilgrimage within Maharashtra, arranging lodging and boarding and free food service for orphaned senior citizens. And finally, the bill tabled by Dr Rahul Patil also sought setting up of a dedicate helpline for senior citizens in the State. As to definition of senior citizens, any male or female who has completed 65-years of age falls under the category of Senior Citizen. Outlining the current crisis being faced by the elderly population in the State, Dr Patil said, many of them are living the life of destitute.

 

As in many cases, that have come to notice, the senior citizens who do not have off spring, are at crossroads as what to do in life in the ripe age. To added to woes of elders, with advancement in age, comes the prospects of illness and other lifestyle or age related ailments. Given the exorbitant cost of treatment in private hospitals, the senior citizens experience worst nightmare in case they are not financially well off. In many cases, the elderly persons do not even have adequate money to purchase costly medication, leave alone thought of visiting private hospital So, Dr Patil suggested a mechanism wherein the helpline could cometo rescue to such citizens. Though Government has already made provision of Mahatma Phule Health Scheme to all citizens, but in case their names are not registered, treatment even in public hospital becomes a problem. Dr Patil stated that it’s welcome that Central Government has introduced Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana for those above 70-years of age and Maharashtra Government provides 50 per cent concession in fare in ST buses. Still, there needs to be broad-based schemes to have assured welfare measures in place in advance age, now that with advancement in medical science, longevity has increased.

 

The Finance Department refused to agree with the suggested welfare measures mooted to ease difficulties faced by the elderly population in the State. The department said these welfare scheme same would entail additional financial burden on the consolidated funds of State. In current state of finances, the new welfare scheme cannot be considered. Ladki Bahin scheme is already facing pressure as State is hard-pressed to arrange funds for other priority works. Given the huge mandate that MahaYuti secured on basis of welfare scheme for women, the same cannot be discontinued despite the fact that same is putting undue pressure on consolidated funds of State. Already, the Public Works Department (PWD) has seen paucity of funds, with payments of past one year for works completed yet to be released, giving nightmares to contractors. Even fresh development projects are facing a slowdown due to stressed financial condition.