The Supreme Court on May 2 directed the central government to consider several suggestions made by petitioner Dr Ashwani Kumar regarding the setting up of old-age homes in each district and the dismal condition of old people in the country.

The petitioner wanted the government to implement and enforce an Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) Scheme to protect and provide adequate safeguards to the elderly in order to enable them to live a life of dignity as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Kumar, along with Matthew Cherian (representative of NALSA) submitted a four page suggestion list and comments on the status report filed by the government before the bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta. Kumar said under the current pension scheme only Rs 200 is provided per month, which is a joke as no person can survive on such a meagre amount.

In its order the court asked the government to look into the pension scheme and infrastructure and facilities for the elderly. The government was also directed to file the status report on what has been done or will be done in light of these suggestions.

The case was listed for the second week of August.

—By India Legal Bureau