Maharashtra Sets 90-Day Deadline For Senior Citizen Cases

The Maharashtra government has set a 90-day deadline for resolving cases related to the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens. This decision was made by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The move aims to address the increasing complaints of senior citizens facing neglect, financial deprivation, and harassment from their children and relatives. With the rise of nuclear families, many elderly people are being deprived of basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care.

Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, tribunals headed by Sub-Divisional Officers (Revenue) have been established to deal with such complaints. However, the Maharashtra Federation of Senior Citizens Organisations (FESCOM) had brought to the government's notice that cases were often being delayed due to the heavy workload of revenue officials.

To address this issue, the Revenue Department has issued detailed guidelines to all divisional commissioners and district collectors for strict implementation of the provisions. Applications submitted by senior citizens or their representatives must be registered in a separate register on the same day, and an acknowledgement receipt must be issued immediately.

The authorities have been directed to pass final orders within 90 days of receipt of an application, as mandated under the law and rules. Unnecessary adjournments and repeated postponement of hearings have also been prohibited. The guidelines give priority to counselling and reconciliation at the initial stage of hearings, with an aim to resolve family disputes amicably while protecting the interests and dignity of senior citizens.

The administration has also been directed to ensure timely recovery of maintenance allowances awarded by the tribunal or appellate authority from children or relatives. Police assistance may be sought to facilitate the recovery where required.

Divisional commissioners will conduct monthly reviews of cases filed, disposed of, and pending under the Act during their meetings with district collectors. Each district collector's office will also have a dedicated Senior Citizens Assistance Cell to track complaints and ensure timely action.

Revenue Minister Bawankule said the government was concerned over cases of elderly parents and senior citizens being denied basic needs and subjected to injustice because of changing family structures. The government's decision is expected to bring relief to many senior citizens in the state who are struggling to get their basic needs met.

The Maharashtra government's move is a significant step towards protecting the rights and dignity of senior citizens in the state. It is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many elderly people who are facing neglect and harassment from their children and relatives.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government's decision to set a 90-day deadline for resolving senior citizen maintenance cases is a welcome move. It is expected to bring relief to many senior citizens in the state and ensure that they get the basic necessities they deserve. The government's efforts to protect the rights and dignity of senior citizens are commendable, and it is hoped that other states will follow suit.

The issue of senior citizen neglect is a complex one, and it requires a multifaceted approach to resolve. The Maharashtra government's decision is a significant step towards addressing this issue, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many elderly people in the state.

The government's move is also expected to raise awareness about the importance of caring for senior citizens and the need to protect their rights and dignity. It is hoped that this will lead to a change in societal attitudes towards senior citizens and a greater recognition of their contributions to society.

Overall, the Maharashtra government's decision to set a 90-day deadline for resolving senior citizen maintenance cases is a positive step towards protecting the rights and dignity of senior citizens in the state. It is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of many elderly people and to raise awareness about the importance of caring for senior citizens.