For almost four years a Draft State Policy for senior citizens has been pending for finalisation, according to guests present in a State level seminar on "State and its Senior Citizens" organised by HelpAge India. More than 70 members from various senior citizens' associations from across the State joined in the discourse. The seminar was organised to discuss various issues and challenges before the senior citizens and the status of State's response to these issues with a welcome note by HelpAge India State head Bharati Chakra.
"From April 1, Odisha is going to establish a new department to deal with issues related to elderly people," she said. State Federation of Senior Citizens (SFSC) president Krupasindhu Sahoo discussed the inception of Odisha draft policy in 2011 for senior citizens in line with the National Policy adopted in 2007. However, despite initiative by concerned department in 2011, the policy is still in the draft stage. Also, he demanded for opening of model old age homes in every district of Odisha.
Federation secretary Jugal Kishore Sahoo raised the issue of universal health insurance and universal pension to be factored for all senior citizens. He also discussed about the issue of increasing amount of old age pension to at least Rs 1,000 from Rs 300. Joint Director, Health Services Dr KPB Patnaik highlighted the available facilities for the senior citizens. Jagadananda chaired the session highlighting the need for an urgent review of the "Draft Policy" and submission before the government for its implementation at the earliest. It was finalised that a memorandum shall be submitted to the State Government with a call for immediate action. HelpAge India programme manager Ranjay Das extended vote of thanks.