Indian citizens aged 60 years and above are considered senior citizens. Central and state governments provide many benefits to the senior citizen. Many of us do not know this. The awareness is not enough. Consequently, they are reluctant to use the facilities. Let us discuss the special benefits and previleges given to senior citizens. .
Court cases related to senior citizens
Priority is given to cases involving senior citizens. They are heard tand verdict delivered quickly.
Right to information Act(RTI)
If senior citized file an application under Right to Information Act, they get higher priority than others. Their application is filed and rapid action taken.
Health
However there is no priority for medical examination for senior citizen who visit the hospital. But doctor can be accessed directly without the token number. It is not practised in several private hospitals. But, in government hospital and primary health centres,there is seperate queue for senior citizens.
Government of Delhi operate a special hospital for senior citizens. There is no concession in payment bcause many diseases generally occur in old age. More profits for private hospitals come from the senior citizens. So they don't offer any consession.
Tax Saving
There is some relaxations in income tax and other taxes for senior citizens.
Bank
The public sector banks, post offices the special saving scheme is there. The name of the savings scheme is 'Senior Citizens savings scheme'. Banks are giving higher interest rates for senior citizens.
State bank provide the following services with 50% of cost
- Duplicate passbook
- Issuing bank statements
- Delivery of cheque books
- No maintenance fees
Want to know more facilities, kindly check with the nearest bank.
Telecommunications
Senior citizens can apply for a new telephone connection to the telecommunications sector. Telecommunication sector make many special arrangements for senior citizens. Priority for the complaint of senior citizens is high comparing to other fellow citizens. Telephone charges also there is a 20% of discount.
Indian Railway
Indian railway give more concessions to senior citizens. Women senior citizen get 50% consession in rail fare. Men senior citizen get 40%. In the past, it was 30% for men. But now it has increased to 40%. The minimum age for getting this facility for women is 58 years. The minimum age of getting this facility for men is 60 years.
Don't forget to take photo identity card. It is very essential for avail this facility. There is a seperate counter there for senior citizens for getting tickets, cancellation of tickets and others.
Dear senior citizens take advantage of this offers without fail. Junior fellow citizens also let them allow to get these benefits without any queries.
Airlines and State Road Transport
Air India offers 45% discount in Air tickets.
State road transport provide the front seats for senior citizens and disabled persons.