Kathmandu: A proposal of urgent public importance has been presented in the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, demanding additional special arrangements to make the life of senior citizens safe, quality, and dignified.
According to National News Agency Nepal, in today’s NA meeting, the proposal proposed by Sumitra BC was backed by Urmila Aryal, Kamala Panta, Bhagawati Neupane, Maya Prasad Sharma, Madan Kumari Shah (Garima), Padam Bahadur Pariyar, and Puja Chaudhary. Tabling the proposal, NA member BC emphasized the need for employment arrangements for those who fall under the definition of senior citizens but do not receive social security allowance. She highlighted the importance of developing a culture of respecting and protecting senior citizens. The proposal, registered on June 14, was presented today, she shared.
Similarly, the NA members who supported the proposal suggested the establishment of a helpline for senior citizens, emphasizing that the state should be responsible for protecting senior citizens as neglect of parents is reportedly increasing.
NA Vice-Chairperson Bimala Ghimire directed the government to implement the issues mentioned in the proposal and the commitments expressed by the Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizen, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, in the Assembly on a priority basis. She also urged the thematic committee to follow up on the topics mentioned in the proposal.
Minister Sudi expressed his seriousness towards the problems of senior citizens and stressed the need for effectively implementing the proposal of urgent public importance, which incorporates important matters for senior citizens. He emphasized moving forward with the sensitivity of the issues of senior citizens, noting that it involves not only the Ministry of Women but also the Ministry of Health, Law Ministry, and Finance Ministry. The Ministry plans to introduce a bill addressing the issues of senior citizens within three months, focusing on creating policies that consider the financial conditions of senior citizens in real trouble.