Visakhapatnam: Social welfare measures by the state and non-governmental organisations on a large scale would come to the rescue of the poor elderly suffering from exclusion and neglect in the society, said Andhra University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. G.S.N. Raju, here on Wednesday.
Speaking as chief guest at the Workshop on “Social Inclusion of Elderly: Issues and Policy Perspectives” organised by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), Andhra University and Priyadarshini Service Organisation, Prof. Raju explained the genesis of how United Nations declared to observe the first day of October every year as International Day of Older Persons. He expressed concern over the financial and health issues confronting the poor elderly and felt that the governmental policies are intended for ‘Social Inclusion’ of the elderly who constitute nearly one-third of the national population.
Emphasising the role to be played by the NGOs in this regard, he noted that “Village centric Development” shall render help to the needy.
CSSEIP, director, Dr P Subba Rao, stated that poverty, health are the major issues faced by the poor elderly and explained the governmental policies for their welfare.
