CHANDIGARH,23.06.20-On 22nd June 2020 Second Innings Association (SIA) organised a Video interaction which proved as an excellent opportunity for all of us to air our views. In the Interaction IAS Yash Pal Garg Secretary Social Welfare Chandigarh Administration was Chief Guest and apart from President of SIA Mr R K Garg ,Col Kulbir Singh,Dr R Kumar ,Sh Madan Gupta Spatu,Sh N K Kaushal,Sh Bhavneshwar Sharma & Ashok Patiyal of Helpage India participated .Basic points that emerged were:

1. Advisory on senior citizens issued by the administration was totally devoid of practicality as age of 65 and above being advised to abstain from stepping out of the home was a very tough advice. Though 112 became effective, it was virtually impossible for them to attend to all the needs of the seniors.

2. Medical care of this category was absolutely conspicuous by its absence as OPD and Dispensaries were closed. Deserted Environment and virtually of no help.

3. Banking sector again couldn't live Upto the expectation for want of adequate Staff and the dedication expected of them to help confined elders.

4 Excessive fear factor was drummed into the Citizens' which made them casualty to fear psychosis which is more fatal than the actual disease. It's now suggested that the unlocking process to remain in place with strict guidelines on cautionary measures to be observed. Medical care to seniors be made easily accessible. Work to begin towards putting a proper social security scheme in place. No one should be required to worry about medical aid and it was brought to notice of authorities that physiotherapy was also stopped during the Lockdown and even now a days the elders are facing problems. The Secretary Social Welfare admitted that it was extremely difficult period for Seniors Citizens and they made every effort to take care of them all and at the same time he assured taht he will look into all issues concerning the Senior Citizens on priority. The Discussion ended with thanks by Sh Madan Gupta Spatu jee. President Sh R K Garg assured to take the issues with the Administration and SIA to continue to find redressal to all issues of Senior Citizens of try city .

R K Garg
# 3328 sector 27D
Chandigarh -160019
Convenor, RTI Chandigarh

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