Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Jul: Reaffirming the government’s resolve to uphold the dignity and safeguard the rights of senior citizens, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the district magistrates in the state to address the grievances of this section of society. The CM has designated district magistrates as presiding officers of District Level Appellate Tribunals entrusted with the task of redressing grievances raised by elderly citizens. Marking a significant administrative intervention, directions have been issued to the officials to ensure swift and effective action on all complaints falling within their purview.
The CM has further instructed officials of the Social Welfare Department to expedite and rigorously implement the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, a vital legislative framework enabling senior citizens and parents to claim maintenance from their children, adult grandchildren, or lawful heirs. At present, Uttarakhand has instituted 13 district-level appellate maintenance tribunals and over 69 sub-divisional level maintenance tribunals to operationalise the law. Under its provisions, maintenance amounts may be determined up to a ceiling of Rs 10,000 per month.
Emphasising the pivotal role of DMs as presiding officers of these tribunals, Dhami today reiterated that they must exercise their authority to ensure robust enforcement of the Act and deliver timely justice to senior citizens. Similarly, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) posted in various tehsils will preside over maintenance tribunals at the sub-divisional level, while District Social Welfare Officers shall serve as ex-officio maintenance officers, supporting enforcement and coordination.
As per the legal provisions, when a senior citizen transfers property with the expectation of care, if such conditions remain unfulfilled, the tribunal possesses the authority to annul the transfer and facilitate restitution of the property to the original owner.
In addition to these judicial safeguards, the state has also launched support initiatives including free shelter homes for the aged and disabled in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts, extending institutional care to vulnerable senior citizens.
A State Senior Citizens Welfare Council has also been established, and Ramchandra Gaur has been appointed as Chairman. The council will be supported by Vice Chairmen Shanti Mahra, Naveen Verma, and Harak Singh Negi in its advisory and outreach functions.
Commenting on the initiative, CM Dhami has claimed that Uttarakhand government remains resolutely committed to the welfare of its elderly population. He added that a sincere appeal has been issued to all senior citizens urging them to contact their nearest Maintenance Tribunal or the District Social Welfare Officer without delay in case they experience neglect with regard to their maintenance and livelihood.
